San Diego Surgeon Helps People With Paralysis Regain Movement

By Katie Euphrat

Above: Recovering from a spinal cord injury can be extremely difficult. Physical therapy and other interventions can help. But despite those efforts, some people are left with paralyzed or spastic limbs. A unique type of surgery offers hope to these patients. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg says the procedure can produce some miraculous results. Some of the scenes included in this video are graphic.

SAN DIEGO Recovering from a spinal cord injury can be extremely difficult. Physical therapy and other interventions can help. But despite those efforts, some people are left with paralyzed or spastic limbs.

In July 2008, Rick Constantine was involved in a head-on car crash in Las Vegas. The accident left him paralyzed on his right side.

Despite surgery to ease the pressure on his spine, and numerous physical therapy sessions, his condition just didnt improve much. Doctors told Constantine hed never walk again.

But they were wrong.

Constantine not only can get up out of his wheelchair under his own power, he can also walk without a cane.

In August 2005, Steve Isetts was riding his mountain bike in Escondidos Daley Ranch. He swerved to dodge something on the trail, and wiped out.

The accident damaged three vertebrae. Surgeons put in four plates and a dozen screws.

After the crash, Isetts had little control over his left leg.

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San Diego Surgeon Helps People With Paralysis Regain Movement