Today's operating rooms
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 ginormous scale and bureaucracy of the VA system can make enacting change feel like an impossible mission. The layers of administration, the culture of inertia, and the sheer number of stakeholders involved can discourage even the most determined advocates. But history has shown that change, even within massive systems, often starts small—with individuals raising … 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
The “deny and defend” response occurs when healthcare institutions prioritize protecting themselves over acknowledging and correcting medical errors. Rather than taking a transparent, patient-centered approach to addressing mistakes, institutions deploy a strategy of institutional self-protection that often compounds the original injury. Here’s how it typically unfolds: Initial Response: When complications arise, the healthcare system’s first … Read more
This document includes the process of obtaining a VA disability rating for spinal fusion, focusing on a veteran’s case involving alleged medical negligence. The 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) criteria is used by the VA to assess disability, emphasizing range of motion limitations, pain levels, and functional impairment resulting from the fusion. … 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
Comprehensive Overview of Surgical Encounter, Deviations, and Records Deletion The Case of Michael Alan Stuart vs. Dr. Kesterson and the Center for Neurological Disorders. Reference the JPS Surgery Records for August 3, 2021: These records were initially part of the hospital’s official documents but were subsequently removed by Dr. Kesterson and JPS Hospital. Context of … 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