Patient Stories
Successful Revision Spine Surgery Restores Active Life
Date posted: 2/17/2026
Last updated: 2/17/2026
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For Dan Saskowski, 64, of Moline, Illinois, the last five years were defined by constant pain, limited mobility, and growing uncertainty.
“I couldn’t sleep at night or sit through dinner,” Saskowski recalls. “My legs were becoming weak, cramping, and sometimes giving out. Everything was painful. It was a challenge just to live normally.”
A former high school and University of Buffalo football player, Saskowski had always lived an active lifestyle. He enjoyed traveling to college football games with former teammates and cycling long distances with his wife. But over time, persistent neck and lower back pain began to take those experiences away from him.
Cervical Spine Fusion Surgery for Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Saskowski’s spine journey began in 2007 when he underwent his first cervical spine fusion surgery to address neck pain and neurological symptoms. Unfortunately, the procedure did not provide relief. One year later, he underwent a second cervical fusion surgery with another provider, but his symptoms continued.
Still searching for answers, Saskowski was referred to Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and spine surgeon Dr. Howard An.
Advanced imaging revealed that Saskowski had cervical spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves. Cervical spinal stenosis is common in adults over 50 and is often caused by degenerative changes such as arthritis or prior injury.
Dr. An recommended a multilevel cervical discectomy and fusion to decompress the spinal cord and stabilize the spine. Saskowski agreed, and the procedure successfully relieved his neck pain and neurological symptoms.
For the first time in years, he experienced meaningful relief.
Persistent Lower Back Pain After Failed Lumbar Fusion Surgeries
While his neck symptoms improved, Saskowski soon began experiencing worsening lower back pain. Activities he loved, including cycling and visiting his grandchildren, became increasingly difficult.
“I couldn’t ride my bike comfortably. Even sitting in the car for long drives was painful,” he says.
As Dr. An prepared for retirement, he referred Saskowski to his Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush colleague, spine surgeon Dr. Nathan Lee, who specializes in complex spine conditions and revision spine surgery.
“When I met Mr. Saskowski, he was experiencing severe lower back pain, numbness, weakness, and nerve symptoms in both legs,” Dr. Lee explains. “He had undergone two prior lumbar fusion surgeries elsewhere that did not fully heal. He also had significant arthritis and spinal instability known as spondylolisthesis.”
These structural issues were compressing nerves and preventing proper healing.
Advanced Revision Lumbar Fusion Surgery Using Robotics and Modern Techniques
After carefully reviewing Saskowski’s imaging and clinical history, Dr. Lee recommended revision multilevel lumbar fusion surgery. This advanced procedure used modern spine surgery techniques, including robotics and data-guided surgical planning, to precisely decompress nerves and stabilize the spine.
“Mr. Saskowski was an excellent candidate for revision spine surgery because his symptoms were persistent and severely limiting his function,” Dr. Lee says. “Surgery offered the most reliable path to relieving nerve compression, improving mobility, and restoring his quality of life.”
Saskowski underwent surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
During his hospital stay, Dr. Lee closely monitored his recovery. After just three days, Saskowski was able to return home and begin rehabilitation.
Life After Spine Surgery: Returning to Cycling, Family, and Daily Activities
Recovery required patience and commitment. Saskowski walked daily and tracked his progress carefully. Over the following months, his strength and mobility steadily improved.
Just six months after surgery, he was able to return to cycling and enjoy activities that once seemed impossible.
Recently, Saskowski rode ten miles along the Mississippi River. He now regularly drives hours to visit his daughter and grandchildren without debilitating pain or frequent stops.
“I am so much better,” he says. “I was motivated to get back to my normal life. I have so much respect and admiration for Dr. Lee. I’m incredibly thankful for the care I received.”
Expert Spine Care at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush
Saskowski’s case highlights the importance of specialized care for complex spine conditions, especially when previous surgeries have failed.
Through advanced surgical techniques, personalized treatment planning, and expert revision spine surgery, Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush helps patients restore mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love.
For Saskowski, spine surgery did more than relieve pain. It gave him his life back.
