Scots dad living in agony with 'debilitating' back pain has pioneering surgery
A Scots dad who was left with debilitating back pain after years of playing in goals has received pioneering surgery that has "changed his life".
Gerry Carrigan, 54, had been living in agony for years due to his spinal nerves being compressed by a bulging disc. The dad-of-three, from East Kilbride was relying on crutches and struggled with basic tasks in everyday life.
Before he began experiencing the pain in his legs and back he had been an active footballer, playing in goals right up until his 40s.
Gerry said: 'Before the pain started years ago, I was active playing football every week with friends. In all honesty, it was likely the goalkeeping into my late 40s that took its toll on my back.
"I should have given that up sooner, but I did enjoy playing sport. The pain completely debilitated what I could do. Then, following this surgery, I was up and walking in the ward the same night, albeit, still on crutches. The impact this will make on my life is incredible.'
After two spinal disc surgeries failed to provide lasting relief, Gerry became one of the first patients in Scotland to undergo a revolutionary procedure using MR technology - allowing surgeons to 'see inside' his body without major incisions.
The procedure was performed at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow by neurosurgeons and complex spine surgeons, Mr Mohamed Abdelsadg and Mr Calan Mathieson.
The MR technology system used during the surgery, known as Magic Leap, overlays detailed spinal images directly onto the patient's body via MR goggles, enabling surgeons to operate with unprecedented precision through small incisions.
Using Magic Leap, Gerry underwent a minimally invasive spinal procedure.
Surgeons placed screws into the bones above and below the damaged disc and connected them with rods to stabilise the area.
They then removed the worn disc and inserted a cage implant to hold the space open, fuse the disc, and prevent future disc bulges.
The entire procedure was done through just five small stab incisions in his back, and Gerry was able to go home within 24 hours.
The result of Gerry's operation dropped his leg pain dramatically.
He said: 'It was amazing that the pain subsided instantly. We've got a busy household with three autistic boys, so there's really not time for either my wife, Gemma, or myself to be out of action.
'Even though I'll likely always have restrictive back pain which still means I'll need the crutches to keep up my mobility outdoors, I'm incredibly grateful to the INS team for giving me a huge part of life back by taking almost all of my leg pain away.'
The neurosurgery team recently won the Regional Services Award at the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Excellence Awards for their pioneering work on Gerry.
Mr Abdelsadg said: 'This technology is transforming how we approach complex spinal surgeries. It allows us to be more accurate, less invasive, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for our patients.'
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