Back in action: How an arthoplasty helped a sheriff’s captain reclaim his life

A sore neck five years ago worsened into excruciating neck and shoulder pain, making life extremely difficult for Adam Barrios, a captain with the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Department. “Twenty-two years as a sheriff’s deputy and former military experience took a toll on my body, and it finally gave way,” he said.

Adam, 42, went to the emergency room several times because the pain had gotten so bad he could no longer move his shoulder. Because of the severity of his pain, Adam was referred to Adam Podet, MD for an evaluation at LCMC Health Neuroscience Institute in partnership with Culicchia Neurological Clinic. 

An MRI revealed a bulging disc at the cervical 6-7 level.

After exhausting conservative measures such as physical therapy and injections to ease his pain, Dr. Podet performed an arthroplasty at West Jefferson Medical Center. “We implanted an artificial disc at the C6-7 level,” Dr. Podet explained. “No fusion is involved with arthroplasty, and motion is maintained at that segment. The artificial disc functions more like the spine, and there is less likelihood of having trouble above or below that level in the future,” he said.

According to Dr. Podet, arthroplasty is much like an anterior cervical fusion, except the implant functions like an intervertebral disc in the cervical spine, preserving motion. “A fusion allows the bones to grow together to make two bones become one and that prevents motion. It’s a very good option for younger patients who do not have a markedly arthritic spine.”

Adam recovered for two days in the hospital. Two weeks later, he felt much better. “By that time, I felt no pain,” Adam recalled. 

He was discharged to work without limitation two months after surgery. “His prognosis is excellent. He is back to full strength, he’s exercising, he’s in the gym, and he’s made a complete recovery,” Dr. Podet said.

Today, Adam is back on the job, working hard to keep Plaquemines Parish safe—all while meeting the physical demands of his role. “Dr. Podet is amazing. He was attentive and answered questions and I never felt rushed. He made me feel informed about my decision to have surgery.  It was the best decision I ever made.”