TN Surgeon Performs First Minimally Invasive Outpatient Spinal Fusion In Middle Tennessee
Life-Changing Relief After Outpatient Spinal Fusion
Josh plays cornerback for the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.
“I can’t believe how far I’ve come in such a short time. In early August, I could barely walk. Shooting pain down both legs would stop me in my tracks, and I’d have to grab onto anything nearby to keep from falling. The pain was so unbearable that I ended up in the hospital.
Fast forward just a few weeks, and I was back on the sidelines cheering on my son’s team at their season opener in Cookeville completely free of that debilitating back pain. The transformation has been nothing short of incredible.
What changed? I became the first patient in Middle Tennessee to undergo an outpatient minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, performed by Dr. Juris Shibayama at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA). The procedure not only allowed me to go home the same day but also set me on the path to recovery much faster than I ever thought possible.
The surgery addressed a condition called spondylolisthesis, which caused instability and severe nerve pressure in my spine. Dr. Shibayama explained the minimally invasive process to me, where small incisions—just 1.5 inches—allowed him to realign the vertebrae, remove the damaged disc, and stabilize everything with screws and rods. It’s amazing what can be done with such a precise, advanced technique.
I knew surgery was the right decision after trying other treatments, including therapy and epidural injections, that only provided temporary relief. When the pain became unbearable, I trusted Dr. Shibayama and his team to guide me to the next step. Recovery wasn’t easy, but having a strong support system at home made all the difference.
Six weeks later, I was back to work as a community relations professional for Rutherford County EMS. I’m now able to attend meetings, give presentations, and enjoy life without being held back by pain. I’m so grateful for this procedure and for Dr. Shibayama’s expertise. If you’re dealing with chronic back pain, I highly recommend exploring your options for minimally invasive spinal surgery. It’s given me my life back.”
