Spine Patient Benefits from Pioneering Use of Stem Cells
Considering Randi Marks’ regular, robust gym workouts, it is hard to believe the 39-year-old Arlington Heights resident was recently on the brink of paralysis. She credits her reclaimed mobility to the expertise of NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute-affiliated Surgeon Mark Mikhael, MD. Dr. Mikhael performed emergency spinal surgery on the young woman and used an innovative stem cell product to promote stronger healing through regeneration of her own bone. The picture of good health, Marks initially dismissed concerns three years earlier when she developed slight tingling and numbness in her right hand, thinking it was carpal tunnel syndrome. But in the months that followed, her neurological function worsened. She felt clumsy and fell often. She experienced pain so severe that she had difficulty exercising. Marks visited several specialists to diagnose her condition, eventually landing at the NorthShore Highland Park Hospital Emergency Department for an urgent evaluation.
Pinpointing The Problem
An MRI revealed that three disks in Marks’neck had collapsed due to arthritis. Spinal disks are typically soft and elastic, separating the interlocking bones that comprise the spine. But the degeneration of her disks left Marks with no cushion, creating severe pressure on her spinal cord and jeopardizing her ability to walk. “Randi’s compression is known as cervical myelopathy, which can result in paralysis if not addressed surgically,” explained Dr. Mikhael, who holds an academic title at the Pritzker School of Medicine. “The reason this condition is scary for patients is that it often doesn’t have significant or obvious symptoms until it gets severe.” “I had only weeks before I would have lost my ability to walk and I didn’t even know it,” Marks recalled, grateful to be in the care of an expert surgeon.
Innovative Treatment
Understanding the urgency, Dr. Mikhael performed emergency surgery using an advanced fusion technique. First, he removed the degenerated disks to relieve pressure on Marks’ spinal cord. Then, he replacedthe disks withcadaver bone and a growth protein product—derived from donor stem cells—that signaled her body to grow her own bone, which promotes stronger healing. NorthShore is one of a small number of health systems across the country using this groundbreaking technique. “The success of this procedure relies on the patient’s ability to regenerate their own bone,” noted Dr. Mikhael. “The use of stem cells helps jump-start that process.” Marks sailed through recovery and is now back to her elliptical machine routine,jogging and taking her two Labrador retrievers for long daily walks. “Thanks to him, I not only walk, I run!” Marks exclaimed, exceedingly grateful to Dr. Mikhael. “I was able to get right back to work three weeks post-op. I’m working out with no pain and feel fabulous.”She also credits her nurses and other members of her care team.“ Everyone was wonderful,” said Marks. “They were so attentive and compassionate. Without them, I don’t know how I would have come through it.”