The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition Feb/Mar 2019

www.theconnectionsnj.com WITH NEUROSURGERY, A DOCTOR’S SUB-SPECIALTIES CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT YOUR HEALTH If you saw college freshman Abbey Velis- chek walking around campus, swimming or working out at the gym, you would be surprised to learn that just months before coming to school she underwent major spinal reconstruction surgery. Velischek, who had worn a brace for years to correct the adolescent scoliosis she was diagnosed with in the fourth grade, was finding herself in pain and unable to stand on her feet for long peri- ods of time. When x-rays revealed the curvature of her spine had worsened, she and her parents knew it was time to begin seriously exploring the possibility of surgery. Like many patients who live in the Tri- State Area, the Velischeks first gravitated toward seeking care in New York City. That all changed when they connected with Dr. Scott A. Meyer, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) in Morristown, NJ, who specializes in reconstructive surgery for spinal deformities, such as scoliosis. “While neurosurgery in itself is highly specialized, a neurosurgeon’s sub-spe- cialties can have a very significant impact on a patient’s health and long-term out- comes,” says Dr. Meyer. Dr. Meyer, who performs roughly 75 spinal reconstruction surgeries each year, explains that even within the community of spine surgeons, there are far fewer who are comfortable addressing spinal deformities. “Because of the significant curvature of Abbey’s spine and her worsening symp- toms, it was clear she would need recon- structive surgery,” he adds. “It was also clear that with the right skill and approach, we could alleviate her pain, improve her quality of life and help keep her on track to head off to college as planned.” After weighing her options, Abbey elect- ed to undergo spinal fusion surgery with Dr. Meyer. During the five-hour proce- dure, Dr. Meyer – aided by advanced technologies that enable 3-D navigation during surgery – essentially used a series of small screws to manipulate and straighten her spine. “Compared to the metal rods that were used to correct scoliosis decades ago, spinal fusion allows the curvature to be corrected at each point, with less strain on the vertebrae. Patients experience better results, greater stability and flexi- bility, and typically return more rapidly to their normal functions,” he notes. Patients also benefit from the new tech- nology. The Medtronic O-arm® Intra- operative Imaging System and the StealthStation® Surgical Navigation Sys- tem, installed at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center and Morris- town Medical Center, help ensure more accurate placement of spinal hardware, often with smaller incisions, shorter sur- gical time, less pain and faster recovery compared with older technologies. Abbey was walking just four days after surgery as she began to regain her mobil- ity and start the healing process. Three months later, with few limitations on physical activity, she went off to college as a pre-med student. “Undergoing this surgery wasn’t a deci- sion I made lightly, and my recovery has- n’t been without hard work,” Abbey shares. “On the whole, however, Dr. Meyer gave me all the confidence in the world that this was the best path for me. He was right.” Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) is New Jersey’s largest neu- rosurgical practice and one of the most advanced in the country. Since its founding in 1958, ANS has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the spine and nervous system. For more information, visit www.ansdocs.com. After undergoing spinal reconstruction surgery to address worsening scoliosis, Abbey Velischek was quick to get on the road to recovery … and off to college. New Jersey native Abbey Velischek was weighing the options for treating her scoliosis when she met Dr. Scott A. Meyer of Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists and discovered highly specialized care close to home. Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists, leaders in brain, spine and neurovascular care, now accepts Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. GAME CHANGER! Morristown | Jefferson | Neptune Pompton Plains | Summit | Teaneck ansdocs.com | (973) 285-7800 PAGE 55 Health & Wellness