For OrthoIndy spine patient Shelby Wagner, scoliosis was more than just a diagnosis – it was a challenge she had faced since childhood. Growing up in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Shelby’s journey with scoliosis began when her mother, who also has the condition, noticed an irregularity in her daughter’s posture. A visible rib hump deformity signaled the need for specialized care, leading a teenaged Shelby and her family to OrthoIndy and orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. David Schwartz.
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Schwartz diagnosed Shelby with both lumbar and thoracic spinal curves. To correct her condition, he would perform a posterior spinal fusion. He would also position two rods and screws to help support and realign her spine. Although Shelby was a bit nervous, Dr. Schwartz reassured her that continuous spinal cord monitoring would make the procedure as safe as possible.
Now, 16 years later, Shelby is grateful for the life-changing procedure and the care she received from Dr. Schwartz. “For Dr. Schwartz, this is routine, but for me, it was overwhelming. I had so many questions—would I still be able to play softball? Could I continue doing gymnastics? How would this affect my future mobility?” said Shelby. However, from the moment she met Dr. Schwartz, she felt reassured. His personable approach, thorough explanations and unwavering support gave Shelby and her family confidence in the procedure and her recovery.
“We get our patients up and walking the same night after surgery,” explained Dr. Schwartz. “By six weeks, most kids are back to running, playing and doing everything they love.”
Dr. Schwartz also noted that at the time of Shelby’s surgery and recovery, advanced technologies like EOS Edge and EOS Insight weren’t yet available. Today, these innovations make spine surgery more precise, personalized and predictable than ever before.
Shelby’s recovery process was nothing short of remarkable. Within a few weeks, she was moving with ease. And, within a few months, she was back to enjoying her favorite activities. “I never imagined I’d bounce back so quickly,” said Shelby. “I remember thinking that my life would never be the same after surgery, but in reality, it only got better.”
“Our goal is to provide a solution that lasts a lifetime.” – Dr. David Schwartz, orthopedic spine surgeon
Today, Shelby has a family of her own and continues to enjoy a pain-free life. Seeing her thrive is a testament to the long-term success of the care she received. “One of the biggest fears people have about spine surgery is the belief that they’ll need multiple procedures down the road,” said Dr. Schwartz. “But that’s just not the case anymore. Our goal is to provide a solution that lasts a lifetime.”
For Shelby, that goal became a reality. Thanks to OrthoIndy and Dr. Schwartz, she doesn’t have to worry about her back anymore. Instead, she’s focused on living her best life. She remains incredibly grateful for the care she received and hopes her story encourages others withscoliosis to seek the proper treatment
“If you’re scared about surgery, I understand. But having the right doctor makes all the difference. Dr. Schwartz and OrthoIndy gave me my life back, and I will always be thankful for that,” said Shelby.
Considering spine surgery? Trust the orthopedic specialists at OrthoIndy to provide personalized care and guide you back to the life you love. Learn more about your options and start your journey to recovery today at orthoindy.com.
