Wellstar Leads New, Life-Saving Treatment for Ischemic Strokes

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. It can develop in adults, often due to changes in the spine, such as disc degeneration, arthritis or osteoporosis. While many adults with scoliosis may not need treatment, surgery may be necessary in severe cases where the curve causes significant pain, limits movement or leads to deformity.

This type of surgery, called spinal deformity correction, is a complex procedure performed by a neurosurgeon. The goal is to realign the spine from the neck to the hips, both front-to-back and side-to-side. Dr. Ben Zussman, a Wellstar neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, is one of the few specialists in Georgia who performs this life-changing surgery.

When scoliosis surgery is recommended

“Adult degenerative scoliosis often develops slowly, causing someone with a previously straight spine to become increasingly crooked,” Dr. Zussman explained. 
Common signs that might lead to considering surgery include:

• Uneven shoulders or waistline
• Protruding shoulder blades
• A hump on the back
• Severe low back pain or leg pain
• Leg weakness
• Stooped posture

These symptoms occur because the spine's unnatural curve forces the body to adjust, which can change posture and make it hard to stay upright. “Without a good center of gravity, your body begins to lean, which is exhausting,” says Dr. Zussman. When pain and limited mobility significantly affect daily life, scoliosis surgery can help improve movement and quality of life.

Moving forward with treatment

By age 50, Cynthia Clark’s spine had become so crooked that she could no longer stand upright. A CT scan taken just eight years earlier showed a straight spine, but degenerative scoliosis had progressed quickly, causing intense pain and difficulty walking.



Dr. Zussman offered Cynthia surgery to relieve her severe symptoms, explaining the complexity and long recovery process. Although she was nervous, Cynthia reached a point where she felt she couldn’t continue living in such pain.

Before surgery, Dr. Zussman referred her to an endocrinologist to strengthen her bones, ensuring she was physically and mentally prepared. When she was ready, Cynthia underwent the procedure.

Undergoing complex spinal surgery

Cynthia’s surgery was extensive, lasting eight hours and involving a long incision down her back. Dr. Zussman used advanced imaging techniques to guide the placement of 17 levels of screws with precision. He removed damaged discs and relieved pressure from pinched nerves. The screws were then connected by long, strong rods to realign her spine, restoring its shape and function.



Post-operative X-rays show Cynthia standing up straight. The screws, rods and spacers help to brace her skeleton internally and maintain her posture.

Recovery is ‘like a miracle’

Cynthia’s recovery was remarkable. She began walking within two days after surgery—far surpassing expectations. Her quick progress allowed her to be discharged without needing inpatient rehab, and she completed a shorter-than-usual course of outpatient therapy.

“Cynthia now walks completely straight without a cane,” said Dr. Zussman. “Even people at her grocery store notice the drastic difference and give her hugs.”

Cynthia credits Dr. Zussman and his team with giving her life back. “I’m so happy I can move and do stairs—it’s like a miracle,” she shared.

Life-changing scoliosis surgery

Wellstar’s neurosurgery team addresses complex brain and spine conditions, including adult spinal deformity. In severe cases, scoliosis correction surgery requires a dedicated team of 10 to 15 medical professionals working together to realign the spine.

“This type of surgery can be totally life-changing,” Dr. Zussman shared.

Only a few neurosurgeons in Georgia perform this extensive surgery. Wellstar offers this advanced level of scoliosis care at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. Reach out to a location near you to schedule an appointment:

• Neurosurgery in Austell
• Neurosurgery in Marietta
• Neurosurgery in Roswell
• Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Augusta 

Learn more about spine surgery at Wellstar.

At Wellstar, every patient’s care plan is tailored to their needs. When it comes to head and neck cancers, a team of expert specialists form an interdisciplinary care team that supports the patient and their family through the whole treatment process.

In Wellstar STAT Clinics—short for Specialty Teams and Treatments—patients can see multiple cancer specialists to be diagnosed, have questions answered and finalize a treatment plan in a single day at one location. This reduces the need to drive to different locations and helps the patient start treatment faster.

“The concept of multidisciplinary care is tried and true and shown to be effective for cancer patients,” said Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, a Wellstar head and neck cancer surgeon. “This model decreases the time to proceed with and receive care.”

First, a team of medical experts, including a head and neck cancer surgeon and facial plastic surgeon, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a pathologist and a neuroradiologist, review the patient’s pathology and imaging as a group to diagnose, stage and create a personalized treatment plan.

Next, the patient and their family meet with the experts. This is an opportunity for the patient to learn about the recommended treatments and ask questions.

“Traditionally, patients must drive to several different appointments to learn the stage of their cancer, meet with different specialists and make decisions,” said Wellstar Medical Oncologist Dr. Nagender Mankan. “At that point, four to five weeks have gone by. In STAT Clinics, we are expediting the complicated decision-making process.”

The patient also meets with a nurse navigator. This specialized nurse helps coordinate many aspects of care for the patient including scheduling appointments and connecting patients with support team members, such as a registered dietitian, a speech therapist or a dentist who may help relieve irritation in the mouth and throat.

While Wellstar is well-equipped to help you fight head and neck cancers, there are steps you can take to prevent cancer from forming, including limiting exposure to the sun and cutting out tobacco and alcohol. Your Wellstar care team can work with you on a plan to keep your head and neck healthy and set achievable goals to prevent cancer.

Learn more about head and neck cancer care at Wellstar.

The road to recovery after a stroke can be long and difficult. By following exercise recommendations from Wellstar’s rehabilitation care team, you can take an active role in the process and help shorten your journey.

According to the National Institutes of Health, falling can lead to delays in recovery for stroke survivors. Muscle stiffness and loss of balance are two common issues that contribute to increased fall risks. The expert providers at Wellstar work with patients and family members to develop individualized care plans that improve steadiness and flexibility. For added benefit, they also recommend you do the following exercises on your own.

Standing up and sitting down
Begin by sitting on a chair with a firm seat. Stand up fully and then slowly take a seat. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. If necessary, use your hands to push into the standing position. Gradually progress to standing without the added assistance and completing more repetitions.

Step-ups
Begin by holding on to a stair rail. Step up onto the first step and then back down to the floor. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. Step up with your stronger leg and lead with the weaker leg going down. Gradually progress to not holding on to the rail and increasing the number of repetitions.

Calf raises
Using a chair or countertop for balance, raise up onto your toes, lifting your heels completely off the floor. Slowly lower your heels back to the floor. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. Gradually progress to not holding on and completing more repetitions.

Marching in place
Begin using a chair or countertop for balance and march in place for as many seconds as you can tolerate initially. Gradually progress to not holding on and marching in place for longer periods of time.

Shoulder flexion
Start with your arms at your side. With your palms facing each other, raise your arms in front of you as far as you can. Return to the starting position, then repeat.

Shoulder extension
Start with your arms at your side. With your palms facing each other, raise your arms behind you as far as you can. Return to the starting position, then repeat.

Shoulder abduction/adduction (lateral shoulder arm raises)
Extend your arms out to the side. Slowly raise your arms above your head. Return to the starting position, then repeat.

Elbow extension and flexion
Start with your arms at your sides, with your palms facing forward. Bend at your elbow so that your palm touches your shoulder. Return to the starting position, then repeat.

Wrist extension and flexion
Place your arms on a supported surface such as a table or desk, leaving your wrists free to move. Turn your palms up toward the ceiling and bend your wrists up and down.

Finger flexing and extending
Place your forearms on a surface such as a table or your lap with your palms facing up. Make a tight fist then open your hand and extend your fingers out until they are straight.

Get the most out of your exercise regimen

Establishing a regular exercise routine outside of your scheduled therapy appointments is important for your recovery. Perhaps equally important is completing the routine in a safe manner to avoid falling and to maximize your results. The experts at Wellstar suggest following these tips to maintain your safety.

• Dress comfortably. Your clothes should not limit your movements. Wear a hospital gown, pajamas or athletic clothing.
• Move slowly through all the movements.
• Do not hold your breath while doing any of these exercises. Breathe deeply. Count out loud during the exercises to keep your breaths evenly paced and remind you to breathe.
• Try to do the exercises while standing or sitting at the edge of your bed. If you do them this way, make sure another adult is around. This will help to make sure you are safe and reduce your risk of falling.
• Stop any exercise that causes you pain or discomfort and tell your doctor, occupational or physical therapist. Continue to do the other exercises that do not cause pain.

 If you have any questions, talk with your doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist. Learn more about the expert care from Wellstar’s inpatient rehabilitation program.

For more information on Wellstar Roosevelt’s specialty rehabilitation services, visit rooseveltrecovery.com.