For more than half of her life, Hannah lived with severe pain caused by complications following scoliosis surgery. Walking even short distances was a struggle, and the special needs woman relied on opioid medications daily for about 15 years. But thanks to the expertise and compassion of Dr. Bassel Diebo and the team at University Orthopedics, Hannah’s story has taken a remarkable turn.

From Reconstruction to Recovery

Just months ago, Hannah underwent a major spinal reconstruction — one of the most complex cases Dr. Diebo had ever seen. The baseline X-rays revealed one of the most severe spinal deformities imaginable. But the surgical results were dramatic: nearly 90 degrees of correction and a pelvis realigned from a 48-degree tilt to close to normal.

On her first post-operative visit, Hannah surprised everyone. She was walking 60–100 feet with help, her incision had healed beautifully, and — most astonishing of all — her pain was gone.

“She’s walking almost a hundred feet, her wound fully healed, and she’s in basically zero pain,” said Dr. Diebo.

Saying Goodbye to Pain — and Opioids

Perhaps the greatest milestone came a few months later. Hannah, who had relied on strong pain medications since the age of 16, no longer needed them. For the first time in over a decade, her body wasn’t asking for relief.

“It still feels surreal to ask her what her pain level is and hear her say zero. It makes us want to cry almost every single day,” her mom, Bethany reflected.

A Team Effort

Hannah’s recovery is not just about a single surgery, but about the collaboration of dozens of medical professionals — nurses, therapists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons — all working together to give her a second chance at life. As Dr. Diebo said:

“You’re looking at upward of 40 to 50 individuals in one patient journey. It truly is a team effort.”

Gratitude and Inspiration

For Hannah, this journey is about more than healing. It’s about hope. She often shares her gratitude with heartfelt words and even small gestures, like the butterfly she once drew on Dr. Diebo’s scrub top.

He calls Hannah’s story one of the highlights of his career, but for Hannah, it’s simply the beginning of a new chapter: one free from pain, filled with mobility, and defined by resilience.

Hannah’s Message to Others

To anyone facing complex spine issues or being told “nothing can be done,” Hannah’s story is proof that there is always hope. At University Orthopedics, advanced care and empathy go hand in hand, offering patients like Hannah a path forward.

Hannah’s journey reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, the human spirit — paired with expert care — can overcome almost anything.