Virtua Spine Surgeon Successfully Treats Four Family Members
When Charles learned he needed back surgery, he turned to Orin Atlas, MD. Dr. Atlas had performed successful surgeries on three members of Charles’ family.
“I was putting up with it, even though it was very disabling,” said Charles, 83, of Willingboro. “But it got to the point where I had to do something.”
Charles went to see his Virtua primary care provider, Stephen Land, MD, who ordered some preliminary imaging tests and recommended that Charles see a spine specialist.
Fortunately, Charles knew just who to call: Orin Atlas, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of neck and back disorders.
“Dr. Atlas successfully treated my wife, my son, and my daughter, so I was confident that he could help me,” said Charles.
Successful Spine Care for the Family
Charles knew that Dr. Atlas was the right surgeon because he had already witnessed three outstanding outcomes firsthand.
“My wife was in a wheelchair, and after her surgery with Dr. Atlas, she is up and walking around,” said Charles. “My son and daughter had similar success stories.”“When Charles first came to see me, I reviewed images of his lumbar spine and noticed that there was evidence of problems in the thoracic spine,” said Dr. Atlas. “I ordered an MRI and found severe spinal compression and instability caused by degeneration.”
Based on Charles’s condition, Dr. Atlas offered surgery. Charles decided to go ahead with the operation. And because Charles had already been through the spine surgery process with his family members, he knew what to expect.
“My surgery was scheduled at Virtua Memorial Hospital within a few weeks,” said Charles. “On the day of surgery, I told my nurses that I was actually looking forward to it because I had faith in Dr. Atlas.”
Charles had surgery on September 2, 2020. Dr. Atlas, Charles said, delivered the results he needed — just as he did when he previously operated on his wife, son, and daughter.
“When Dr. Atlas stopped in to see me in the hospital after my surgery, I already noticed relief from the pain and improved strength — and from there, every day, it got a little better,” said Charles.
Four Spine Surgeries Gone Right
Within a month after the surgery, he noticed a significant improvement in his quality of life.“I used to walk my dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, every day and enjoyed gardening,” said Charles. “Now, I think I will be able to get back to those activities.”
“Charles and his family members are all doing well, and I am proud to know that they trusted me and trusted Virtua for their care,” said Dr. Atlas.
Charles said that his experience with Dr. Atlas, as well as the experiences of his family members, have been remarkable.
“If anyone is looking for a spine surgeon, I would recommend Dr. Atlas,” said Charles. “People always tell stories of spine surgeries gone wrong, but thanks to Dr. Atlas, my family has four examples of spine surgeries gone right.”
Get Moving Again
From degenerative diseases like herniated discs and spinal stenosis, to trauma and work-related accidents like fractures and spinal cord injuries, Virtua Orthopedics & Spine physicians have seen it all. Our experts offer proven treatments and the very best outcomes—right here in South Jersey.Find out if you’re a candidate for back surgery.