Real Stories From Real Patients

Spinal Surgery Saves Virginia Man from Paralysis

September 02, 2014

A fall from a tree almost paralyzed Charlie Bennett. Duke neurosurgery specialists realigned his spine, which was severely compressed by fractured vertebrae. Now recuperating and going through rehab, Bennett says, “others say how blessed I am. I already know.”

Charlie Bennett had been pruning his aunt’s apple tree for 20 years. The 67-year-old retired mechanic from Danville, VA, didn’t think twice about climbing out on a limb nine feet off the ground.

But this time, something went wrong. Bennett slipped and fell out of the tree and onto his back. He was shaken up, but he could still move. So he got up and carried his tools and ladders hundreds of yards back to the house. Then he got in his truck and drove himself home.

“I was in pain, so I took some medicine and went to bed, but it didn’t help,” says Bennett. “A few days later, I went to the urgent care doctor, but he didn’t find anything.”

For six weeks, Bennett continued doing as much as he could despite the pain. He mowed his lawn and helped his neighbors with their gardens. But when he awoke with numbness in his hands, his daughter made him go to a nearby hospital.

“I was in bad shape,” says Bennett. “When they did the X-ray at the hospital, they found I had a broken neck.”

Due to the complexity of his injury, Bennett was told he should be seen by neurosurgeons at a hospital like Duke, so he made the two-hour drive to Durham. “The team and I met Mr. Bennett in the emergency room,” says Duke neurosurgeon Oren Gottfried, MD. “I couldn’t believe he was still moving. Most with this type of injury get help immediately after the fall, and not many can move their arms or legs.”

Bennett’s fall had resulted in the complete dislocation of the sixth and seventh vertebrae, resulting in severe compression of the spinal cord. According to Dr. Gottfried, half of patients with just a 50 percent “slip” or dislocation of this kind are paralyzed. “We were dealing with one millimeter – one more and he would’ve been paralyzed,” says Dr. Gottfried. “I knew we had to get him back in alignment as quickly as we could.”

Bennett was transported to surgery, where it took Dr. Gottfried and two assistant surgeons three hours and two procedures to realign his spine and secure it in place. “We knew if we didn’t pull the right way, we could paralyze him,” says Dr. Gottfried. “But at the end of the day, we achieved perfect alignment.”

Bennett has a lengthy recovery ahead that involves regular physical therapy, however he realizes the outcome could have been much worse. “I still have numbness in my hands and feet, and I walk with a cane,” he says. “It’s a challenge, but I feel fortunate. Others say how blessed I am, and I already know.”

Dr. Gottfried says Bennett should achieve improved range of motion as time goes on. “Soon he can get back to doing the activities he did beforehand,” he says. “But no tree climbing!”

Excellent, kind and caring physician who took his time. Dr. Gottfried also showed and explained to me my MRI findings.
I felt he listened and provided a path of treatment and went out of his way to assist me with obtaining assistance within the limited timeframe before I left the country for vacation.
Dr. Gottfried was very concerned about the pain I was having and assured me that he would do everything possible to get me relief.
I felt very comfortable with Dr. Gottfried and his staff, everybody just really put me at ease. Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions.
The doctor and staff were very knowledgeable and respectful of my needs and problems.
Wonderful practice. I walked away with more knowledge and understanding next steps.
I left feeling that I was under excellent care with Dr. Gottfried and his staff, with a level of confidence I hadn’t felt with other spinal surgeons.
Dr. Gottfried did a great job explaining options and was very empathetic to my concerns.
Extremely pleased with Dr. Gottfried’s professionalism, caring, kindness and assistance in dealing with my issue.
Dr Gottfried has had exceptional availability to fully address any questions and concerns before and after my surgery.
Dr. Gottfried is a consummate professional medical provider, expert in his specialty, very knowledgeable, listens and makes an informed assessment for treatment. Highest recommendation.
Dr. Gottfried has excellent bedside manner and was very compassionate and courteous. I would recommend him to my family and friends!!
Dr. Gottfried and his team have changed my life! Absolutely amazing care!
It was the best experience I have ever had about my condition, and plan care.
Clearly answered all my concerns, provided information needed to continue physical therapy for the new calendar year and called my pharmacy in another state to ensure requests would be filled.
Dr. Gottfried is amazing! The only doctor I trust with my back and neck. He was just as personable during this telemedicine visit as he is in person.
It was wonderful experience. Dr. Gottfried is a great communicator and, as such, we were able to talk freely about my surgery and my recovery.
Dr Gottfried, his PA, Brian and nurse, Chrystal are an impressive team. Each was engaged and professional in their role in delivery of the services. Dr. Gottfried is an outstanding Neurosurgeon: thoughtful, comprehensive, and empathetic in assessing options and recommendations on my condition. He listened to my concerns and specific questions and took considerable time to deliver his opinion and perspective.
Dr. Gottfried, in 2014, operated on my cervical spine. As then and now, I am pleased with his skills and appreciate his honesty about my health.
Dr. Gottfried , spent time to talk to me about my health, the surgery he performed how long the healing process usually take and what to expect over the next few month.
Dr. Oren Gottfried was awesome. I contacted Dr. Gottfried over by email and he contacted me In less than 10 minutes. Not even my primary doctor answer me that quick. It takes them over 3 days to call me. But Dr. Gottfried, Hit It out the park. Great doctor. Outstanding… The Best
Dr. Oren Gottfried is an outstanding expert Neurosurgeon that not only is Duke University and Duke Raleigh very fortunate to have him on staff as a patient of five spinal surgeries I am truly grateful as well! Dr. Gottfried has given me a second chance at life with his expertise!
All my questions and concerns were answered clearly and explained fully. Dr. Gottfried stressed my safety was his as well as his teammates primary concern regarding any surgical procedure scheduled.
I live a good distance from Raleigh, so follow up is through the portal. Dr. Gottfried is excellent about responding quickly to questions and updates. I think Duke Health Care System is outstanding. I regularly suggest to others that they get specialty care through Duke.
I am from Charlotte Nc the visit was overwhelmingly positive and gave me hope for a lot less pain in the future
Dr. Gottfried was very knowledgeable and very clearly explained to me what my treatment options were. He listened very carefully to my concerns and addressed them completely. I am totally satisfied with him as a provider, and would recommend him to anyone with spine or back problems.
Consulted with Dr. Gottfried, first time, regarding low back issue–determined I needed surgery. Everything was explained including what he would do during surgery; pre-surgery assessments regarding anesthesia and POSH; and, my video conference call via My Chart. When asked a question, via My Chart, he answered it within 3 hours. Very impressed by Dr. Gottfried and his medical team.
Everything about my visit was excellent! Loved the staff, facility and Dr. Gottfried.
Dr Gottfried was patient and focused on me, the patient. Never any sign of him being rushed. He was extremely clear in presenting my problem, and in explaining my options. I felt comfortable that I was getting good information and advice. While I hope that I don’t have to come back for surgery, at least I will have a good surgeon should I need to.
I was referred to Dr Gottfried for spinal fusion surgery. After reviewing my records he suggested some additional options through pain management. I truly appreciate that he wants to explore all options before proceeding with surgery and to have confidence that if we do surgery, it will actually address my problem.

A good mentor unlocks your potential to do more.

-Dr. Oren Gottfried

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