Today's operating rooms
I never imagined a routine spine surgery would become the catalyst for years of suffering and a fight for medical justice. In August 2021, I trusted my surgeon and the VA healthcare system to fix a relatively straightforward spinal problem. Instead, I woke up to what would become a nightmare – though I wouldn’t understand … Read more
This VA 1151 disability claim filed by veteran Michael Stuart for ankylosis of the spine, a condition resulting from a series of events stemming from a car accident. The claim centers on alleging VA negligence following a failed spinal fusion surgery performed within the VA system, which necessitated corrective surgery resulting in the claimant’s current disability. Crucially, … Read more
Medical Opinion Summary Joseph David, D.O., a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist in New Jersey, provides a medical opinion on Michael Stuart, a veteran who served in the US Air Force from 1981 to 1987. Dr. David reviewed extensive medical records, including CT and MRI scans, surgery notes, and statements from Stuart’s family. Stuart … Read more
This letter from a retired US Air Force Colonel strongly supports Michael’s disability claim (38 USC 1151) filed with the VA. He describes witnessing Michael’s debilitating decline following surgery in 2021, highlighting the stark contrast between Michael’s pre- and post-operative states and expressing deep concern over the VA’s inadequate response. The letter emphasizes the family’s disappointment with … Read more
What Happens When Spinal Fusion Screws Loosen? Limited spinal mobility. Spasms in the back. Insomnia. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities. Persistent back pain. How do I know if my spinal fusion screw is loose? Often, excessive pain is a symptom of a loose screw after spinal fusion or other hardware complication. “If the … Read more
Baylor Medical Center Operative Report This operative note is a report of the surgery performed on Michael Stuart by Dr. Ioannis Alexander Avramis on January 4, 2024, at Baylor Scott and White University Medical Center in Dallas Texas. Here’s an explanation of the key components and medical terms: Lumbar Kyphoscoliosis, L1-L3 Nonunion, and Loose Instrumentation, … Read more
The profound agony of witnessing so-called medical professionals, whom we once entrusted with our health, evade accountability for their actions is indescribable. These individuals, who operate under the guise of caregivers, leave behind a trail of destruction—harming not just our physical and mental well-being, but also inflicting severe financial strains and eroding our faith in … Read more
Flatback syndrome is characterized by the loss of normal lumbar lordosis, resulting in a flattened lumbar spine. This document aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the condition, including its potential causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options, with a focus on Mr. Stuart’s case. Causes of Flatback Syndrome: Degenerative Changes: Including age-related degenerative disc … Read more
Frustrations of Post-Surgical Care Amidst the Opioid Crisis Navigating post-surgical care in the current climate of the opioid crisis has become an excruciatingly challenging experience. Recently, I underwent a major spine surgery involving both Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) from L3 to S1 and Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) from T10 to the pelvis. While the … Read more
Medical negligence lawsuit filed by Michael A. Stuart, the plaintiff, against Dr. Oliver Lee Kesterson and the Center for Neurological Disorders (CND), the defendants. The case is filed in the Tarrant County Judicial District, Texas. Plaintiff’s Background: Michael A. Stuart, a veteran officer of the United States Air Force, is currently under medical care at … Read more