A little over a week ago, I did a very complex T1-Iliac wing revision extension instrumentation and fusion for her, including upper thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomy.

She did very well postoperatively, and her posture now is awesome.

Early this morning, after morning rounds I brought Joann and her husband Chad to Raleigh-Durham Internation (RDU) airport, which is 15-20 minutes from Hey Clinic and Duke Raleigh Hospital.

The nursing assistant helped her to get into my car with ease, and the folks at the airport met her at the curb with a wheelchair to take her through the whole check-in process (although she actually was walking great even without a cane or assistance!)

She does have a very long trip home, which apparently includes several airport stops, and a 3 hour drive on the other end to get her home to Potsdam NY. But she is definitely up for it, and we made sure that she was medically and physically ready to travel before letting her go. Is it possible to have scoliosis or kyphosis surgery out of state and travel on an airplane? The answer is “yes”, but you need to plan ahead and take some additional precautions, and be a bit flexible on return flight especially for the very complex revision surgeries.

We had a nice chat on way to the airport, giving thanks for many blessings through the whole process.

Have a safe journey home Joann, and a very happy reunion with your children and whole family. Have a very speedy and complete recovery.

Dr. Lloyd Hey

Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery