What started as a stumble during a routine walk in late 2019 led to years of pain, frustration and delayed healing for OrthoIndy spine patient Anita Wellman-Pence. That single misstep resulted in a torn labrum in her left hip – an injury she initially hoped would resolve on its own. But as time passed, the pain continued, and so did the challenges.
In October 2021, Anita underwent surgery to repair her torn labrum with another orthopedic provider. Despite completing the procedure and recovery process, she was still experiencing sharp, stabbing pain.
“Following the surgery and recovery, I was still experiencing a severe stabbing pain on the lower right side of my back,” said Anita.
Multiple specialists and procedures, including lumbar injections, failed to resolve the issue. The persistent pain began to interfere not only with her mobility but also with the quality of her daily life.
A Turn Toward Expertise at OrthoIndy
Determined to find answers, Anita turned to a trusted source: a family friend who had undergone two successful knee replacements at OrthoIndy. Their strong recommendation gave her the confidence to schedule an appointment, where she was introduced to Dr. Mark Osborne, a non-operative spine specialist and physiatrist.
From the start, Anita was struck by the thoughtful, comprehensive care she received. Dr. Osborne conducted a thorough evaluation and confirmed what Anita already suspected – there was a deeper issue behind her ongoing back pain. Initially diagnosed with unspecified lower back pain and solitary sacroiliitis (inflammation within the hip joint), Dr. Osborne’s methodical approach opened the door to a more refined diagnosis.
A Step-by-Step Path to Real Relief
Dr. Osborne began by recommending steroid injections in Anita’s lower back to reduce inflammation and assess whether her pain could be managed conservatively. Over several months, Anita underwent two of these injections, which provided brief periods of relief but did not address the underlying pain that continued to disrupt her life.
Recognizing that something more complex might be at play, Dr. Osborne took a closer look at Anita’s imaging. He suspected Bertolotti’s syndrome, a rare congenital spinal condition where an abnormal fusion occurs between vertebrae, had something to do with her pain. Often overlooked or misdiagnosed, this condition can lead to chronic pain due to abnormal pressure or strain on surrounding joints and tissues.
Dr. Osborne proposed a new plan: targeted nerve ablation designed to interrupt the pain signals coming from the affected area. Before proceeding with the ablation, Anita underwent two test injections to precisely locate the source of her pain. Once the exact nerves were confirmed, a third injection, a radiofrequency ablation, was performed to provide lasting relief.
The outcome was exactly what Anita had hoped for. “My back pain is completely gone,” said Anita, reflecting on the results of her care plan. After years of discomfort, temporary relief and unanswered questions, she finally experienced a resolution to the pain that had defined her daily life.
A Seamless Experience from Start to Finish
Throughout the process, Anita was equally impressed by the professionalism and compassion of the entire OrthoIndy team.
“My experience with OrthoIndy and Dr. Osborne was excellent from start to finish,” said Anita. “Appointments were always timely. Dr. Osborne was an excellent listener, took plenty of time during our appointments and was very thorough in his explanations.”
Anita’s story is one of persistence, partnership and expert care. Thanks to Dr. Osborne and the OrthoIndy team, she not only found relief from her chronic back pain but also regained the ability to live her life fully and without limitations.
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If you’re struggling with unresolved back pain, don’t wait. Trust the specialists at OrthoIndy to provide expert, efficient care tailored to your needs. Schedule an appointment today.
