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VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 weeks ago

Bertolotti Syndrome nearly ended tennis player Dilhan's career. Then he traveled across the world to Dr. Colin Haines of VSI.

Once the UK's #1 ranked junior player, Dilhan developed severe lower back pain and nerve pain that left him unable to stand for more than five minutes. After nearly two years searching across three continents for answers, he found Dr. Haines at VSI and finally got a diagnosis: Bertolotti Syndrome, a spine condition that's frequently mistaken for other types of back pain and often missed in young athletes. Dr. Haines treated Dilhan with a Bertolotti's syndrome surgery, a Bertolotti resection combined with PRP injections, and walks through what that recovery looked like.

Nearly a year post-surgery during the timing of the Mubadala DC Open, Dilhan is training five days a week again. This conversation covers what Bertolotti Syndrome is, why athlete back pain is so often misdiagnosed, and what a real recovery from spine surgery looks like, from the first few minutes of walking to a full return to competitive tennis.

Dr. Haines and the team at VSI in Reston, VA treat complex and often overlooked spine conditions for patients throughout Northern Virginia, the DC metro area, and, in Dilhan's case, internationally.

If lower back pain or nerve pain has you searching for answers without a clear diagnosis, schedule a consultation with VSI: https://www.spinemd.com/contact-us/schedule-appointment/. You can also read more about Bertolotti's resection here: https://www.spinemd.com/treatment/bertolotti-resection/

Follow Dilhan's recovery on Instagram: @dilhanwasantha | TikTok @dilhanwasanthatennis
Follow Dr. Haines on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.colin_haines/
Follow VSI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsi_spine/
➡️ VSIspine.com

#BertolottiSyndrome #spinesurgerysuccess #backpainrelief #VSISpine #tennisinjuryrecovery

Bertolotti Syndrome Surgery: A Tennis Player's Comeback | Fox5 News

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 weeks ago

Could a piece of extra bone in your lower spine be the real reason your back pain won't go away?

In this video, VSI spine surgeon Dr. Colin Haines breaks down a real patient case involving Bertolotti syndrome, a condition that's frequently missed by spine specialists.

Libbi, an active and fit patient, had dealt with low back pain for years. Using her actual X-rays, Dr. Haines shows how an extra piece of bone at the L5-S1 level was rubbing against the sacrum, creating a bone-on-bone Bertolotti joint. But her case didn't stop there because that level had essentially stiffened and fused itself, the levels above it were forced to move more than they should, leading to disc degeneration at L4-5 and a spondylolisthesis (slippage) at L3-4.

Listen to Libbi's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilstDeszUos

Dr. Haines explains how this "domino effect" is common with Bertolotti syndrome, and why the the discs above and the SI joints below often become the real source of ongoing pain. For Libbi, treatment ultimately meant a multi-level spinal fusion, and she's now living pain-free. Dr. Haines also discusses resection, a less invasive alternative that can sometimes be used when Bertolotti syndrome is caught earlier, before the surrounding levels break down.

If you've been living with unexplained low back pain, or you've been told your case is complicated, this video shows why an accurate diagnosis — and catching problems early — makes all the difference.

Key Points
0:00 – What Is Bertolotti Syndrome?
0:38 – How the Extra Bertolotti Bone Causes Pain
1:01 – Bertolotti Patient Case Study and X-Ray Review
2:23 – What is Spondylolisthesis?
2:28 – The Domino Effect on Neighboring Spine Levels (L4-5 and SI Joint)
2:55 – Post Op X-Rays: Multi-Level Fusion
4:19 – Recovery after Spinal Fusion: Patient Testimony
4:43 – When to See a Bertolotti Expert

Key Takeaways:
✔ Bertolotti syndrome is often missed, even by spine specialists
✔ Untreated, it can cause breakdown at the levels above and below it
✔ Catching it early may mean a minimally invasive procedure instead of a fusion
✔ You don't have to live with this kind of pain — effective treatments exist

To learn more about Bertolotti syndrome and treatment options, visit https://www.spinemd.com/conditions/bertolottis-syndrome/
Learn more about Dr. Colin Haines here: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-colin-haines/

Common FAQs about Bertolotti Syndrome

What is Bertolotti syndrome?
Bertolotti syndrome is a condition where an extra or abnormal bone segment forms at the base of the spine (typically at L5-S1), causing that bone to rub against the sacrum and leading to lower back pain.

What are common symptoms of Bertolotti syndrome?

- Chronic low back pain, often on one side
- Pain that worsens with activity or twisting
- Pain that spreads to the hip or SI joint area
- Stiffness at the lower spine

What treatment options are available for Bertolotti syndrome?
Treatment options can include physical therapy, targeted injections, and, when needed, surgical options such as resection of the extra bone or spinal fusion for more advanced cases.

#BertolottiSyndrome #BackPainRelief #SpineSurgery #LowBackPain #SpineHealth #BertolottiResection

Why Does Your Back Pain Keep Coming Back? A Bertolotti Syndrome Case Study

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 weeks ago

VSI® Surgeons Perform World’s First Spine Surgery with Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot Robotic System

Drs. Christopher Good, Colin Haines, and Ehsan Jazini lead groundbreaking spine surgery, using Medtronic's FDA-cleared Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot robotic system.

This next-generation platform combines AI-powered surgical planning, navigation, real-time segmental tracking, and robotic guidance into a single system, helping surgeons execute complex procedures with greater precision and confidence.

In this behind-the-scenes look, hear directly from Dr. Christopher Good as he explains how this groundbreaking technology is shaping the future of spine surgery and helping patients get back to the lives they love.

To learn more about this advanced, minimally invasive spine surgery at VSI, visit https://www.spinemd.com/resources/blog/worlds-first-spine-surgery-with-stealth-axis-autopilot/

Inside the World’s First Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot Spine Surgery | Explained by Dr. Good

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 weeks ago

For years, Libbi Logan planned her life around her back pain.

Could she make it to her son's basketball game? Would a road trip result in days of recovery? Was playing tennis worth the pain that would follow?

Like so many people living with chronic back pain, every decision became a calculation.

After years of searching for answers, trying countless treatments, and being told there were few options left, Libbi eventually found a Facebook community of patients with Bertolotti's Syndrome. That search ultimately led her to spine surgeon Dr. Colin Haines at VSI, who asked her a question that changed everything:

"What do you want your life to look like?"

After a comprehensive evaluation, including advanced diagnostics that uncovered the true source of her pain, Dr. Haines developed a surgical plan tailored to Libbi’s unique anatomy.

Today, Libbi is back on the tennis court, traveling internationally, and living the life she thought she had lost.
Just six months after surgery with at VSI, Libby:
✔ Played tennis for the first time in over three years
✔ Walked over 15,000 steps a day through Paris (with zero back pain!)
✔ Flew alone, drove 10 hours, stood on a wobbling fishing boat
✔ Is showing up, fully present, for her son's senior year of high school
If you've been told there's nothing more that can be done, that your imaging looks "normal," or you're still searching for answers, Libby's story is a reminder that oftentimes the right diagnosis changes everything.

Hear from Spine Surgeon, Dr. Colin Haines, as he explains the medical analysis behind Libbi's recovery story: https://youtu.be/cS_5TiiB2O4

VSI® | Spine Solutions specializes in diagnosing and treating complex spine conditions, including Bertolotti's Syndrome and transitional anatomy. If you're still searching for answers, you don't have to stop here.

🔗 Schedule a consultation: https://www.spinemd.com/contact-us/schedule-appointment/
🔗 Learn more about Bertolotti's Syndrome: https://www.spinemd.com/conditions/bertolottis-syndrome/

Subscribe for more patient stories, spine education, and expert insights from VSI®

#Bertolottisyndrome #bertolottissyndrome #lowerbackpain #spinesurgerysuccess #spinesurgery

When Back Pain Has a Name: Solving Bertolotti Syndrome | Epiosde 91

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

3 weeks ago

Summer is a popular season for vacations, yard work, outdoor sports, and family activities, BUT it's also one of the common times of year for muscle strains, back pain, and sports injuries.

In this segment, Dr. Yash Mehta, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, joins Great Day Washington to break down why so many people get injured during the summer months, and shares simple strategies to help you stay active without pain.

As Dr. Mehta explains, many people become "weekend warriors", especially following the colder months — spending the workweek sitting at a desk before suddenly asking their bodies to handle hours of yard work, hiking, biking, pickleball, or home improvement projects. Without proper preparation, that sudden increase in activity can put unnecessary stress on your muscles, joints, spine, and cardiovascular system.

In this interview, Dr. Mehta shares:
- The "weekend warrior" mistake that catches many people off guard
- Why everyday activities like yard work should be treated like a workout
- Simple warm up exercises before gardening, moving the lawn, or outdoor activities
- More tips to reduce your risk of injury so you can stay active all summer long (and beyond)

Key Notes:
0:00- Why Injuries Increase During the Summer
0:41 - The "Weekend Warrior" Effect
1:30 - Why Warming Up Is Important
2:03 - Simple Warm-Up Exercises
2:25 - How Yard Work Strains the Body
2:54 - Repetitive Movements & Back Pain
4:09 - Benefits of Staying Hydrated
4:25 - Electrolytes & Recovery

Learn more about Dr. Mehta: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-yash-mehta/
Follow Dr. Mehta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mehta_physiatrist/

To learn more about VSI®, visit us at www.vsispine.com

#backpain #sportsmedicine #injuryprevention #summerinjuries #yardwork #weekendwarrior #hydration #spinehealth #backpainrelief #VSI #WUSA9

Summer Injuries Are Spiking — Here's the "Weekend Warrior" Mistake to Avoid | Dr. Yash Mehta

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

4 weeks ago

VSI® Surgeons Perform World’s First Spine Surgery with Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot Robotic System

Drs. Christopher Good, Colin Haines, and Ehsan Jazini lead groundbreaking spine surgery, using Medtronic's FDA-cleared Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot robotic system.

Key Takeaways: New Robotic Spine Surgery System
- VSI surgeons performed the first spine surgery in the world using the Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot robotic system.
- The platform combines AI-powered planning, navigation, segmental tracking, and robotics into one system.
- The procedure was tailored to a patient with longstanding back pain after conservative treatments did not provide lasting relief.
- This milestone builds on VSI’s history of robotic and augmented reality surgical firsts in spine care.

This next-generation platform combines AI-powered surgical planning, navigation, real-time segmental tracking, and robotic guidance into a single system, helping surgeons execute complex procedures with greater precision and confidence.

In this behind-the-scenes look, hear directly from Dr. Christopher Good as he explains how this groundbreaking technology is shaping the future of spine surgery and helping patients get back to the lives they love.

A History of Firsts:
This milestone adds to VSI's growing record of global surgical firsts, including minimally invasive robotic Bertolotti's resection surgery, spine surgery using the Mazor X™ Stealth Edition robotic guidance system, combined endoscopic and robot-guided spine surgery, and multiple augmented reality (AR) firsts in laminectomy, hybrid fusion, and custom 3D-printed implant procedures. In 2019, Dr. Good performed the world's first surgery using the Stealth AXiS's predecessor system, Mazor X™ Stealth Edition.

To learn more about this advanced, minimally invasive spine surgery at VSI, visit https://www.spinemd.com/resources/blog/worlds-first-spine-surgery-with-stealth-axis-autopilot/

Learn about Dr. Good: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-christopher-good/
Learn about Dr. Haines: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-colin-haines/
Learn about Dr. Jazini: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-ehsan-jazini/

Inside the World’s First Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot Spine Surgery | Explained by Dr. Good

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 months ago

Why do some spine surgeries fail while others succeed?

In this video, VSI spine surgeon, Dr. Ehsan Jazini, provides a medical analysis behind one patient's journey and recovery from failed spine surgery.

After undergoing previous neck and back surgeries, spinal cord stimulator trials, chronic pain management, being denied treatment from multiple providers, and loosing hope, a wounded police officer came to VSI because he was still struggling with debilitating symptoms that prevented him from returning to the life and career he loved.

Using this case as an example, Dr. Jazini breaks down some of the most common reasons spine surgeries fail, including missed diagnoses, incomplete treatment plans, and the importance of matching the right procedure with the right patient.

Most importantly, this story demonstrates that even after failed neck surgery, failed back surgery, or years of chronic pain, not all hope is lost.

If you've been told there's nothing more that can be done, or you're considering spine surgery and want to understand your options, this video is for you.

Key Points
0:00 - Why Spine Surgeries Fail
0:29 - Tim's Story of Failed Spine Surgery
1:12 - Failure of Diagnosis & Wrong Procedure
2:06 - When Spinal Cord Stimulators Fall Short
2:45 - When Fusion Is the Right Choice
3:25 - The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis
4:07 - Finding the Right Spine Surgeon After Failed Surgery
—————————————————————————-

Key Takeaways:
✔ Don't lose hope in your search for better spine care
✔ Focus on long-term function, not quick fixes
✔ Get another opinion if something doesn't feel right
✔ The right diagnosis is the foundation of successful treatment

To hear the patient's recovery story, check out this podcast episode: https://youtu.be/QlAbHziBoJ4

Commons FAQs about Failed Back Surgery:

What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), also known as Post-Laminectomy Syndrome, is characterized by persistent or recurring pain following back or spine surgery.

What Are Common Symptoms of Failed Spine Surgery Pain?
- Persistent neck, back, arm, or leg pain
- Pain that returns or worsens after surgery
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Ongoing nerve pain, weakness, or functional limitations

What Treatment Options are Available after Failed Spine Surgery?
Common treatment options include spine-specialized physical therapy, regenerative medicine (such as stem cell therapy or platelet-rich plasma), pain management, revision spine surgery, or motion-preserving procedures such as artificial disc replacement.

Learn more about solutions after Failed Spine Surgery at https://www.spinemd.com/conditions/failed-prior-surgery-syndrome/
Learn more about Dr. Ehsan Jazini here: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-ehsan-jazini/

#FailedBackSurgery #FailedBackSurgerySyndrome #SpineSurgery #RevisionSpineSurgery #ArtificialDiscReplacement #BackPain #NeckPain #SpineHealth

Why Spine Surgeries Fail (and What to Do) | Explained by Dr. Jazini

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 months ago

Why do some patients continue to struggle with pain after spine surgery?

🎙️Now streaming on Get Back to Your Life® podcast: Dr. Jazini explains why failed back surgery happens and why it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Plus, hear the story of his patient, Tim, who endured years of chronic pain, multiple spine surgeries, and denied treatment before finally finding answers at VSI.

Watch now on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 🎧

Why does Failed Back Surgery Happen? Tune in to our latest podcast episode to find out

420

VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 months ago

What happens when a career-ending injury is followed by years of failed treatments, multiple surgeries, and no clear answers?

In this episode, Sergeant of Investigations, Tim Putney, shares his journey through chronic pain after an on-duty injury nearly ended his law enforcement career and sent him on a years-long search for answers.
What began as a single on-duty injury became a years-long road marked by chronic back pain, failed spine surgeries, a spinal cord stimulator, workers’ compensation battles, and dead ends.
Joining the conversation is VSI spine surgeon Dr. Ehsan Jazini, who discusses why some patients continue to struggle with pain despite previous treatments and spine surgeries, what is often missed in complex cases, and how the right diagnosis can uncover solutions that others may have overlooked.

Together, they explore:
- Failed back surgery and persistent pain
- The impact of chronic pain on mental health
- Challenges first responders face after injury
- Modern spine treatments and recovery advancements
- Why getting the right diagnosis matters

Released during Men's Health Month, this episode highlights a challenge many men face but rarely discuss openly: chronic pain impacts far more than physical health. It can affect identity, relationships, mental health, and the ability to do the things that matter most.

Most importantly, Tim shares how he was able to return to the life he thought he'd lost—including walking his daughter down the aisle.

If you've been told to "just live with it," this conversation offers something many patients desperately need to hear: you may not be out of options.

You don't have to keep living in pain.

Key Points:
0:04 - Intro
1:30 - Tim's Life Before the Injury
8:02 - Initial Misdiagnosis
11:27 - The Mental Toll of Chronic Pain
16:00 - Dr. Jazini Reviews the Case
18:17 - Multiple Failed Surgeries
19:03 - Finding VSI
22:47 - What Previous Doctors Missed
24:18 - Why First Responders Are Vulnerable
28:08 - Recovery After Modern Spine Surgery
29:02 - Modern Spine Surgery Techniques
31:44 - Walking His Daughter Down the Aisle
33:57 - Advice for First Responders
37:14 - Closing Remarks

——————————————————————————-

Hear from Spine Surgeon, Dr. Jazini, as he explains the medical analysis of Tim's success story: https://youtu.be/1Pp7UJ5OSqc

👉 Request a consultation: www.vsispine.com
📞 Call VSI directly: 703-709-1114
📍 VSI® Spine Solutions | Reston, Virginia

Officer's Comeback After Failed Spine Surgery

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