Emmy-nominated composer Steve Sandberg was struck by a Mack truck in the ’80s, leading to a 40-year struggle with back pain. Despite undergoing physical therapy and chiropractic care, the pain worsened over the years, impacting his ability to carry equipment to gigs and walk. Feeling restricted in what he could do, Sandberg decided to undergo a three-hour minimally invasive surgery at NYU Langone Health in September 2023, hoping for relief from his chronic pain.
Dr. Charla R. Fischer performed the revolutionary technique, endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), on Sandberg. His case was particularly challenging as he had developed a cyst in a facet joint of his spine, causing pain in both legs. Fischer made two tiny incisions to remove the joint with the cyst and the intervertebral disc, replacing it with a disc implant and bone graft. Robotic techniques were used to insert screws and rods to stabilize the spine, with minimal disruption to soft tissue for a quicker recovery time.
Fischer explained that the facet cyst was pushing on Sandberg’s nerve roots, contributing to his pain. This innovative surgery, originally pioneered in South Korea, was performed for the first time in the New York area at NYU Langone Health. Fischer estimates performing this procedure around 40 times a year, highlighting the effectiveness and benefits of the surgery for some patients in providing relief and a faster recovery time.
Sandberg, who had previously gone through a life-changing surgery due to a severe overseas truck crash, found his recovery from the TLIF procedure relatively smoother. Two weeks post-surgery, he was doing well, and by six weeks, he was mostly recovered. Typically, the recovery period for the non-endoscopic version of TLIF is three months, but Sandberg did not require a cane or walker and managed his pain with Tylenol. He used the recovery time to walk, stretch, and even lost 30 pounds.
Following the surgery, Sandberg experienced a significant improvement in his quality of life. Now able to ride his 10-speed bike for several miles, walk without pain, and carry a 20-pound keyboard without difficulty, he feels rejuvenated and “20 years younger.” Sandberg expressed no regrets about undergoing the surgery, stating that it was a fantastic decision that gave him his life back. With his chronic back pain relieved and his mobility restored, Sandberg is grateful for the opportunity to enjoy his newfound freedom and vitality.
