Spinal Fusion or Stem Cell Therapy: An Athlete’s Victory Over Stress Fracture

In this video, Dr. Christopher Good, one of the nation’s leading spine surgeons at VSI, “dives” into an inspiring case study of Matteo, a young athlete who avoided back surgery and returned to Division 1 diving at Brown University.

Watch the Video on Youtube

Understanding Stress Fractures in Young Athletes

Stress fractures in the back, known as spondylolysis, are a prevalent overuse injury among teenage athletes, affecting approximately 5-6% of this population. These fractures occur in the vertebrae of the lower back and can lead to long-term pain and potential nerve damage.

Matteo’s Condition and Treatment

Matteo suffered from two stress fractures in his lower back, which began to impact one of his lumbar discs. Instead of undergoing a spinal fusion, Dr. Good opted for a less invasive approach: a concentrated bone marrow injection, commonly referred to as stem cell therapy, aimed at promoting healing in the lumbar disc area.

The Road to Recovery

Matteo’s recovery was a meticulous process that required dedication and a relentless pursuit of his athletic dreams. Thanks to the stem cell therapy and Dr. Good’s expertise, Matteo not only healed but also achieved a remarkable comeback. He is now diving at an elite level, completely pain-free.

Key Takeaways

In this video, you will discover:

• Matteo’s journey from diagnosis to full recovery
• Expert insights from Dr. Good on the benefits and procedure of stem cell therapy
• Encouragement for high-level athletes considering stem cell therapy for injury recovery

Listen to Matteo’s podcast here and, for more information about stem cell therapy and other solutions to manage back pain, visit VSIspine.com.