Matthew Cummock, M.D. is a neurosurgeon who specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery at UHealth/Jackson Neurosurgery, part of the University of Miami Health System.
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MEET DEXTER DWIGHT:
Dexter Dwight, a classical percussionist, loves performing. But weakness on his left side made it difficult.
“Especially with my left arm, it was really starting to affect how I could play,” Dexter says.
Dexter’s spinal cord was compressed. Dr. Matthew Cummock, M.D., a neurosurgeon who specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery at UHealth/Jackson Neurosurgery, says cervical degenerative disease can cause concerning symptoms.
“Anything that can compress the spinal cord can affect everything down below it. Some people may start having progressive gait imbalance. People may start to have numbness or tingling of their hands as it goes up in their hands into their arms. People may start dropping things. They may find that the dexterity of their hands is not what it used to be. The goal is to treat them before they become permanent or even worse,” Dr. Cummock said.
UHealth/Jackson Neurosurgery is uniquely positioned to provide a number of options when it comes to spine surgery. For Dexter, Dr. Cummock used a titanium disc to relieve pressure on his spinal cord.
“The goal for us is always to do the most minimally invasive procedure as possible,” Dr. Cummock explains. “So going from the front of the neck, you’re able to push everything aside to get to where you need to go to clean out the area that’s compressing on hisspinal cord. And once that’s done, we’re able to place an interbody graft, a special 3D printed titanium inter-body graft into that space to help basically reconstruct that area.”
“I was amazed that I only spent one night in the hospital,” says Dexter.
The power of UHealth/Jackson Neurosurgery offers the latest technologies in spine surgery to fit every patient’s needs.
“Everything from ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery to minimally invasive procedures, to even the more complex open procedures,” Dr. Cummock said.
Dexter is back playing in the orchestra and is amazed by his quick recovery!
“We had a concert with the band 10 days ago that I had to do a lot of playing and it all went well. So yeah, it is just amazing,” Dexter says.
He is grateful for Dr. Cummock and the power of two: UHealth/Jackson Neurosurgery.
“Thank you very much for doing a great job and for making me feel completely comfortable throughout the whole procedure,” says Dexter.