Sarah Eaton, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics physical therapist and avid fitness enthusiast, works with joint replacement patients in their recoveries to sport, daily activities and active lifestyles every day. When faced with her own hip pain, she chartered a new path as becoming a patient herself.

In 2022, Sarah was training for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon and began experiencing random, but sharp, pains in the front of her hip. While she was still able to train and run without issues, Sarah woke up one evening about two weeks prior to the race with intense, throbbing pain in her hip. She first came to Forté and met with a physician assistant and had imaging of her hip. Upon evaluation, it was determined Sarah had hip dysplasia, impingement and mild-moderate signs of arthritic change. “I admit I was surprised by these findings,” said Sarah. “I had never experienced an injury or considered myself to have any problems with either hip.” Sarah was given permission by the hip specialist to continue with her usual activities but was told that due to the arthritic nature of her hip, she would likely find herself doing less and experience more pain over time.

Over the course of the next year, Sarah’s hip was becoming more painful and limiting. Her last race prior to total hip replacement was the Indy Mini 5k in 2023. She had promised her then 9-year-old that they would run the race together, but felt sharp, stabbing hip pains with every step. The pain had become constant in nature limiting even the most basic daily activities such as walking around the grocery store, playing with her kids or sleeping comfortably at night.

It was this change in the severity of the pain that led Sarah back to Forté to meet with Dr. Lucian Warth, Forté orthopedic surgeon specializing in the knee and hip. After an MRI scan showed an area of full thickness wear of the cartilage on her femur, Dr. Warth discussed the best treatment option was a total hip replacement surgery.

"It is certainly unfortunate when anyone, let alone an active, athletic individual develops debilitating hip arthritis,” said Dr. Warth. “In my younger patients it often comes as quite a shock, however most are even more surprised to find out that after a well-done hip replacement and appropriate rehabilitation they can return to an unrestricted and active lifestyle. As a kid I remember watching Bo Jackson play professional baseball for the White Sox after hip replacement in the 1990’s. His return to professional sports was impressive back then, and surgical technique, implant quality, and longevity have only improved in the last 30 years. Nobody is excited about surgery… but modern total hip replacement is not a death sentence, it is an opportunity to get back to your high-quality lifestyle.  And that is exciting."

From THA to Recovery

Although Sarah expected Dr. Warth to tell her that running was not recommended after surgery, he instead told her that, because she was already a runner, if she ran gradually and limited her mileage per week, he was okay with her running. Sarah’s total hip replacement surgery was in September of 2023. “I could tell as soon as I got to the recovery room, the pre-op pain was gone,” said Sarah. “I did PT on my own for the first two weeks, then transitioned to outpatient PT at Forté Noblesville with Nate and Melissa.” As Sarah helps her patients return to running or sport with specific weekly goals for progression, she too recovered from her hip replacement with structured stretching, icing, exercises and physical therapy and attention to running form. She gradually built mobility and strength and worked on her cardio/conditioning through low impact methods like biking and elliptical. “I did my first ‘run’ about four months post-op,” said Sarah. “It was a light jog and did just a mile, but the sharp stabbing pain was gone.”

Sarah’s first official race after surgery was the Indy Mini 5k in 2024, about eight months post-op. “I was so happy I was able to run without feeling like someone was stabbing me in the front of my hip,” said Sarah. “I continued to run shorter distances and doing occasional 5k races but worked up to a 10k race in September 2025.”

With the success Sarah had in these races, she signed up for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon in October, knowing she would have several months to keep increasing cardiovascular endurance and building up mileage. She also ran the Miler Series, a series of runs which builds in distance across several months to assess where a runner is in his or her training. This included a 3-mile race in February, a 6-mile race in March and a 10-mile race in April. In addition to this series, Sarah would typically run three to four miles, one to two times during the week and then a long run on the weekend, increasing by one mile each week leading up to two weeks before race day. She also supplemented with bike or elliptical.

The Day of Her Personal Best Run

On May 2, 2026, Sarah laced up her running shoes and ran the 50th running of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini Marathon downtown Indianapolis. Her initial goal for the 13.1 mile race was two hours, but as she started ramping up into February and March, she was consistently running 8:30 to 8:45 minute miles so she updated her Mini goal to 1:55.

“I ran the 10-mile race at an 8:25 pace, which I was completely not expecting, but I wasn’t sure if I could maintain it for another three miles, so I still kept my goal between 1:50-1:55,” said Sarah. “My previous PR was in 2018 at 1:49:21 and I ended up shaving four seconds off this year. I likely would have shaved off even more time, but I cramped up in the last 1.5 miles of the race, so I had to keep stopping to stretch (unrelated to my hip).”

Sarah said some tears were shed when she met up with her family after the race because she never thought she’d be able to run a mini again and run such a good time in the process. “I’m so grateful to Dr. Warth for giving me a new hip that allows me to do the things I want to do and not feel limited in any way,” Sarah said.

How an Orthopedic Specialist Can Help with Hip Pain

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is an integrated orthopedic practice which offers patients access to not only joint replacement physicians who perform hundreds of surgeries each year but also in-house physical therapy and interventional pain management teams. This comprehensive approach allows physicians and rehabilitation clinicians to have direct communication to aid in returning patients to their activities and lifestyles.

Get Started with Orthopedic Care to Return to Sport

When hip pain interferes with daily life, look to Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics for help. Serving patients in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville and Tipton, IN, our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists provide exceptional care. From aches and pains to sharp pains that interfere with walking or performing daily activities, be assured our team of fellowship trained physicians will work to get to the root of the hip pain. Contact us today to achieve a better, faster outcome.

Our team of sports medicine physicians focuses on treating and preventing injuries related to physical activity and exercise. Sports medicine physicians receive additional training beyond their primary medical education to understand the unique demands that physical activity places on the body. From biomechanics, exercise physiology and injury patterns to understanding the emotional side of recovery, our Forté sports medicine team provides comprehensive care to our patients.  

For athletes and everyday active adults who face injury, returning to sport and daily activities, without pain, is the goal. An integral part of the healing process, alongside physical therapy, is the mental aspect of recovery. With orthopedic surgery resulting from injury comes some physical pain and certainly mental frustration. The surgical procedure may limit mobility and require assistance for daily movement and self-care tasks.  

Though frustration, even depression, can occur postoperatively, a positive mindset is key.  

Staying optimistic will provide a mindset better suited for physical therapy and likely even improve the overall surgical outcome.  

Surgeries for ACL and meniscus are commonly performed by our team or orthopedic surgeons. Forté outcomes are monitored by our partnership with CODE TECHNOLOGY. According to our patient-reported outcome data, before surgery, 35% of acute knee patients reported being affected by emotional problems—such as anxiety, depression, or irritability—at least sometimes, often, or always. At 6 months post-op, only 25% of patients report this.  

“In my 21 years of experience, those patients who positively attack their ACL tear as a hurdle to overcome recover quicker and tend to do better than those who act victimized by their ACL tear,” said Dr. Mark Ritter, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist. “A good attitude certainly helps!” 

How Stress Negatively Impacts Recovery after Surgery 

The body-mind relationship after having orthopedic surgery can significantly affect the recovery outcome. The body’s ability to heal slows when experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. Chronic stress reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, grow new tissue and increases risks of postoperative complications such as high blood pressure, nausea and reduced appetite. Stress and anxiety also lead to altered pain perception, causing post-op pain to feel more intense than it truly is. Lastly, ongoing stress weakens immune function, which may lead to wound infections or other complications. 

Benefits of a Positive Mindset and Healing from Surgery 

Studies have shown that an optimistic mindset leads to improved surgical outcomes. Patients who remain positive are often able to: 

•  Focus on the end goal rather than the immediate pain 

• Experience less pain  

• Require fewer pain medications 

• Reduce risk of post-surgical complications 

• Speed healing, assisted by better sleep  

Tips to Reduce Stress after Surgery 

The most common strategies for stress reduction include surrounding yourself with positive people and creating an environment which fosters healing. Here are a few tips to do so: 

• Be informed. Ask your physician questions to understand the expectations for the surgery and recovery timeframe. 

• Establish daily relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. 

• Lean on your support system for emotional and physical help. Divvy household tasks or set up ridesharing to/from school or appointments. 

• Eat a balanced diet including protein, Vitamin C, Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids. These help with tissue growth and repair, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.  

• Create an environment for ample sleep and rest. 

• Move your body, according to your surgeon and physical therapist, to improve circulation, reduce stiffness and muscle weakness as well as promote overall healing. 

• Celebrate the wins—from little victories to the renewed use of your affected body part, give yourself kudos for milestones reached. 

How Forté Performs in Returning Patients to Activities 

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics returns athletes to sport and our rehab specialists are highly experienced at their subspecialities. CODE TECHNOLOGY reported that at six months after acute knee surgery, 85% of patients rated their quality of life as "excellent" or "very good." At one year post-op, 91% of those same Forté patients reported having returned to sport at some level of participation.  

Schedule a Consultation at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Today  

Our sports medicine physicians have decades of experience treating athletes with injuries. From professional and collegiate athletes to the everyday athlete or individuals with active lifestyles, this specialized field of care focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating physical activity and exercise injuries. We have convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville and Tipton. Don’t let an injury keep you sidelined. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine physicians.

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics follows an outcome-based approach to join replacement. Our physicians follow each patient’s results and study the data to identify ways to keep improving our already high success and outcomes. Planning for your recovery from an orthopedic surgical procedure, such as joint replacement, will provide a smoother experience and improved outcome. From advanced planning for medications and medical equipment to caregivers and meals, follow these easy and practical tips before surgery to be even better set up for postoperative success.

• Understand Your Joint Replacement Procedure

Your choice to reach joint replacement has likely come after experiencing long-term joint pain. After seeking a consultation from a joint specialist, you recognize the benefits of joint replacement to improve your quality of life. Take time to understand the surgical procedure, anesthesia and post-op care, as well as physical therapy and recovery expectations

• Obtain Medical Equipment Prior to Surgery

Your physician has provided you a list of durable medical equipment and cryotherapy items that you will need to assist in your recovery. Forté offers many of these items in our DME store or items can be found online, at a local pharmacy or medical home supply store. Purchasing these items before your surgery will allow you to be fully prepared upon returning home from your procedure.

• Safeguard Your Home

To provide a safe recovery at home, take preventative measures such as removing throw rugs which could slip and cause a fall risk, installing grab bars in your shower/tub to assist in bathing needs and keeping pathways clear of items and pets. Have items you use daily in easy to reach areas and have an easy-to-access area devoted to your medical equipment.

• Pre-Arrange Postoperative Care

Plan for a driver to transport you to and from the hospital the day of surgery as well your outpatient physical therapy and doctor’s appointments for the first three to four weeks post-op. You might also arrange for a person/caregiver to stay two to five nights after surgery. It is a good idea to schedule assistance with meals, laundry, house, pet and yard care assistance for a few weeks. Having help planned for these tasks will allow you to better focus on your recovery and healing.  

• Understand Physical Therapy Plan

A few hours after surgery, an inpatient physical therapist will come to your room to teach you gentle exercises. For example, with a knee replacement, these exercises will promote leg circulation to reduce blood clot risk and reduce postoperative swelling and pain. This would include walking with a walker and learning how to safely walk up and down a short set of stairs.

Once home, a home health physical therapist will visit you two to three times a week for up to two weeks, depending on your surgeon’s recommendation. The physical therapy exercises during these visits will work with you to regain motion and stability of the affected joint. Mobility will be addressed with specific range of motions exercises. For example, with a hip or knee replacement, the therapist will teach you normal walking patterns and how to safely ambulate steps.

When the at-home therapy is completed, you will move to outpatient physical therapy. The length of this therapy will be dependent upon your ability to successfully restore functional joint motion as well as increased strength and balance to safely return to daily living and activities. Your surgeon or therapist will guide you on returning to low to high impact exercise, swimming or aquatic exercise.

Schedule a Consultation at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Today

If you are experiencing chronic joint pain or are preparing for a joint replacement, Forté offers some of the area’s most experienced joint replacement surgeons who perform hundreds of joint replacements each year, in-office physical therapy as well as interventional pain management. We have convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville and Tipton. Don’t let joint pain keep you from your daily activities. Contact us today to get started to get you back to your forté.

Inflammation causes dozens of health problems ranging from frustrating, but not fatal, things such as acne to serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Inflammation is the body’s healing response, but when it becomes prolonged or unresolved, it can trigger chronic pain by irritating nerves and altering pain pathways, leading to heightened sensitivity and pain from non-painful stimuli. Over time, the brain may continue to interpret signals as pain, even if there’s no ongoing tissue damage.

The Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain often develops due to arthritis or after an injury to a joint such as a fracture, sprain (ligament) or strain (muscle or tendon). Long-term inflammation in the joints can cause constant pain and tenderness. Such joint pain could stem from inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

“Food has everything to do with how we feel and our diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis,” said Dr. John Hur, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in joint replacement in the knee and hip. “The right foods can have an anti-inflammatory effect and make us healthy and feel better overall. The wrong foods, such as sugar, can cause disease and make our bodies hurt more.”

Foods to Help Reduce Inflammation and Provide Joint Support

The good news is that some inflammation can be avoided simply by changing your diet to include anti-inflammatory foods—and there are many from which to choose.

To help prevent inflammation, increase the intake of:

• Fruits and vegetables (non-starchy). Eat a variety of colors, but always with lots of dark greens such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, spinach, kale and broccoli (high in antioxidants).

• Lean protein (if no significant kidney problem), such as chicken, fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies and other cold-water fish).

• Nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, almonds).

• Fiber, whole grain breads, beans, onions, olive oil.

• Eat whole / real foods rather than processed foods.

Also, by eating your last meal two hours before bedtime, you can reduce inflammation. Supplements such as turmeric / curcumin, fish oil, ginger and garlic can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Foods to Avoid in an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

To achieve the best results, minimize or eliminate the consumption of foods that fuel inflammation. The most common culprits to avoid include:

• Flour (breads, pastas, cookies, crackers, desserts, pastries, etc.)

• Refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup / corn sugar, including fruit juices. (Be sure to read food labels!)

• Grains (cereal, quinoa, wheat, barley, rye, rice, oats, etc.) can irritate the digestive tract and cause inflammation in some people.

• Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, etc.)

• Dairy (cheese, milk, ice cream, etc.)

• Processed food and fatty meats (sausage, hot dogs, chorizo, cold cuts, bacon, rib eye steak, etc.)

Special Considerations to Note for Those with Pre-Existing Conditions

As with any healthy diet, people with diabetes, high blood pressure or those who take blood thinners have special considerations and should consult their physician with any questions and/or before making significant changes.

• If you are diabetic, you need to watch blood sugar and report to your doctor if sugars run low so that your diabetes medication can be adjusted.

• If you experience high blood pressure, as you lose a significant amount of body fat, your blood pressure may drop, so speak to your doctor.

• If you are on blood thinners, especially warfarin / Coumadin, use caution with dark green vegetables due to those being high Vitamin K (which promotes blood clotting and counteracts warfarin / Coumadin).

Stay Fit and Active to Maintain Overall Joint Health

For those with arthritis, low-impact activity, in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory diet, is encouraged. By combining these, better weight and joint range of motion is maintained, and strength is built to help the way the body functions.

Examples of low-impact exercises include biking, swimming, water aerobics, walking on the treadmill or elliptical, rowing and yoga. Most studies suggest that running does not appear to accelerate the progress of osteoarthritis, so long as you allow adequate rest between runs.

Schedule a Consultation at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Today

If you are experiencing joint pain that is interfering with your ability to perform your daily activities, look to our team of orthopedic and interventional pain medicine physicians for assistance. We have convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville and Tipton to serve you. Following a consultation, we will create a treatment plan to address your pain and provide the best possible outcome. Contact us today to get started.

Sources and Anti-Inflammatory Tips: Arthritis Foundation, Mindbodygreen and Heathline.

We invite you to join Dr. Tyler McCarroll, Hip and Knee Surgeon for a free breakfast and a discussion on knee injuries and ACL tears. Dr. McCarroll will discuss how to prevent knee injuries, what happens during an ACL tear and new treatment options.

We invite you to join Dr. Michael Del Busto, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician for a free breakfast and a discussion on chronic pain and how it can occur in anyone at any age. Dr. Del Busto will discuss the areas of chronic pain such as neck, back and knees, and how Peripheral Nerve Stimulation can offer relief.

Achilles tendon ruptures seem to be the most common injury along with ACL tears for professional athletes these days. The Achilles tendon goes down the back of your leg to your heel. It is formed by three separate muscles from your calf that come together and attach to the heel bone. When you jump, climb or even push off for your next run, you’re activating your Achilles. We discussed how to treat and prevent Achilles tendon injuries with Dr. Andrew Wohler, foot and ankle surgeon in Carmel and Greenwood.

What is an Achilles rupture?

• An Achilles rupture occurs when the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel tears (ruptures). Tears most commonly occur in the mid portion of the tendon or, occasionally, the tendon can pull away from the bone, insertional rupture.

How does an Achilles rupture happen?

• Achilles tendon ruptures happen when the load placed on the tendon exceeds the material strength that the tendon can handle. The excess force causes the tendon to fail/rupture.

What are the signs and symptoms of an Achilles injury?

• Signs and symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include weakness with push off, a palpable gap in the Achilles and calf pain. Often patients will describe feeling as if they are hit or kicked in the back of the ankle but no one or nothing was there.

How are Achilles tendon ruptures treated?

• Achilles tendon ruptures can be managed surgically and non-surgically. Studies have shown good outcomes with both treatment strategies, though there are certain risks that accompany each treatment that should be discussed with your surgeon when choosing a treatment method.

What is the process with surgery?

• When treating Achilles tendon ruptures surgically, your surgeon will repair the tendon, effectively “resetting” the tension on the Achilles to try to regain optimal function. A lot of research has been done on different surgical techniques (open, mini-open, minimally invasive, *PARS to speedbridge). All surgical techniques are effective and sometimes there are reasons your surgeon may choose one technique over another. What research has consistently shown is that operative management decreases risk for re-rupture compared to non-operative management, though surgical risks, most commonly wound issues are increased.

Are there any risk factors with surgery?

• Yes, surgery always has some degree of associated risk. The greatest risks for Achilles repair are for wound healing complications, nerve injury (slightly higher with percutaneous techniques), DVT/PE (with both operative and non-operative treatment) and a re-rupture risk of 1-2% when managed surgically and 7-10% without surgery.

How long is the recovery period?

• Tendon healing usually takes about 12 weeks, but the strength loss and muscle atrophy associated with the injury and repair means that full recovery is close to 9-12 months.

Are men more likely to tear their Achilles versus women?

• Yes, men are at a slightly higher risk of Achilles tear though numbers in women have increased recently with the rise in women's sports and increase in recreational activities among women. Achilles ruptures tend to follow a bimodal distribution with peaks in mid-20s to early 30s and again in 60s-70s.

Do you see more Achilles injuries in basketball vs football?

• Overall, more Achilles injuries tend to occur in basketball and volleyball due to planting and jumping with load.

How can you prevent an Achilles injury?

• In some ways, Achilles injuries can be difficult to completely "prevent" but warming up appropriately and stretching prior to activity can help to minimize risk.

If you’re struggling with calf or Achilles pain, our Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics foot and ankle team in Carmel, Greenwood or Noblesville are here to help. Contact us today! Our experts will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs so you can get back on your feet pain-free!

* PARS Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge™ Implant System with Arthrex

Chronic back pain not only effects everyday activities such as walking, bending over and even getting dressed, but it also limits mobility and disrupts overall physical function in daily life. Degenerative disc disease could be the root of the pain. Up to 40% or more adults over the age of 40 have at least one degenerated disc. At Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, our specialists work with patients dealing with back pain. If you’re experiencing chronic back pain, you may be a candidate for the VIA Disc NP procedure.

What is a VIA Disc NP Procedure?

VIA Disc NP is a minimally invasive, non-surgical outpatient procedure most used for patients with chronic back pain who have failed conservative care. It treats degenerative disc disease by replacing lost tissue. Patients who have this procedure experience reduced pain and increased spinal function.

Similar to other pain management procedures, the consideration process to receive this procedure includes an initial office consultation where Dr. Michael Del Busto provides a physical exam, review of advanced images and discusses treatment options.

VIA Disc NP provides a restorative solution to pain and function, whereas many other treatments may simply mask pain. We are addressing the problem at its root cause.

Who Can Benefit from VIA Disc NP?
This procedure is for patients who have experienced tissue loss within the lumbar intervertebral discs. These patients have chronic low back pain that is typically worse with prolonged sitting and bending forward who have failed conservative care. This is not for patients with referred pain in the legs with numbness, burning or weakness.

How Does The Procedure Work?
A VIA Disc NP is an allograft of lumbar disc that is able to be fluoroscopically placed in the spine without surgery through a needle similar to an injection. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete in an outpatient setting.

What Is the Expected Recovery Timeframe?
The recovery from this procedure is a few days The patient will be at home recovering after the procedure. Heavy lifting will be limited for one week after the procedure and then progress back to activities thereafter.

The procedure is minimally invasive and only a needle is needed to place the implant. This allows for a faster recovery within a matter a few days.

Is Rehabilitation Required after the Procedure?
No. Patients do not need any rehabilitation after VIA Disc NP.

How Long Do Results Last?
Clinical studies have shown that 70% of patients experience approximately 50 to 70% pain reduction  with sustained pain relief for up to 12 months. Ongoing studies are being done to provide longer-term outcome data. Individual results may vary.

Does Insurance Cover VIA Disc NP?
Medicare, VA, some federal plans and worker’s compensation insurance cover the procedure. Most commercial payers do not cover the procedure currently.

Meet With a Specialist Today 
At Forté Sports Medicine & Orthopedics, our specialists offer expert treatment options to restore the function of your spine and relieve chronic pain. If you’re ready to discover options for your back pain to find relief, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation today, to get started on your path to recovery.

*The VIA Disc NP procedure will take place at the Franciscan Orthopedic Hospital at the Carmel Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics location.

Experiencing chronic low back pain disrupts daily activities and mobility. Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics specialists work with patients dealing with back pain to return them to pain-free living. If you’re experiencing chronic low back pain, you may be a candidate for the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation procedure.  

What is a Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure? 

This is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure with fluoroscopy to ablate (burn) the basivertebral nerve in the lumbar spine. The basivertebral nerve is the pain-generating nerve in the spine. The goal of the procedure is to destroy this nerve. Dr. Michael Del Busto works with patients who have not responded to conservative treatments to provide pain relief. 

“We now have an exciting new treatment for chronic low back pain, and the relief is permanent,” said Dr. Michael Del Busto. “The basivertebral nerve ablation is a game changer for my patients and eliminates chronic low back pain without surgery.” 

Who Can Benefit from Basivertebral Nerve Ablation? 
This procedure is intended for patients with chronic low back pain who have failed conservative care. These patients also have specific findings called, Modic changes, on their MRI. Modic changes are detectable degenerative alterations in spinal vertebral endplates. These changes cause chronic low back pain, stiffness, increased pain during activity or after a night’s rest. This procedure is not for patients with referred pain in the legs with numbness, burning or weakness. 

What is the Process of the Procedure? 
The procedure burns and destroys the nerve. Basivertebral nerve ablation takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete in an outpatient surgery center. This procedure is permanent. 

What is the Efficacy of Basivertebral Nerve Ablation? 
In 70% to 75% of patients, this procedure reduces pain by 50% to 100%. 

What Is the Expected Recovery Timeframe? 
The patient will go home the same day after the procedure. Most patients return to light activity within 24 to 48 hours. Full recovery typically occurs within one to two weeks. 

How Long Do Results Last? 
Based on the latest clinical data, this procedure offers sustained relief for at least five years. Ongoing studies are being done to provide longer-term outcome data. Individual results may vary. 

“Patients can experience pain relief as quickly as a few weeks with maximum pain relief at 3 months,” said Dr. Michael Del Busto. “Many patients are excited to tell me they simply forgot that they have back pain.” 

Does Insurance Cover Basivertebral Nerve Ablation? 
Medicare and most commercial insurances cover this procedure.  

Meet With a Specialist Today  
If you’re ready to put an end to your low back pain, we are here to help. Restore the function of your spine and relieve chronic pain by experiencing the difference the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation procedure can make. Call 317.817.1200 to schedule a consultation with Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics today in Carmel, Indiana* or schedule a consultation today to get back to your forté. 

*The Basivertebral Nerve Ablation procedure will take place in the Franciscan Orthopedic Surgery Center at the Carmel Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics location.