Amy F. Shares Her Journey Following Expert Spine Care From Dr. Hugh Bassewitz

Desert Orthopaedic Center is proud to share the inspiring comeback of Amy Fontes, a lifelong athlete who returned to pain-free, active living after undergoing an L5-S1 spinal fusion performed by fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Hugh Bassewitz. Her story highlights the impact of advanced spine care and the dedication of Desert Orthopaedic Center’s doctors to helping patients reclaim movement and quality of life.

Fontes has lived an active lifestyle since childhood, playing soccer through high school, running track and later participating in triathlons, 5Ks, hiking, golf, pickleball and gardening. At age 46, a back injury from lifting heavy furniture triggered persistent lower back pain that gradually worsened. By her early 50s, everyday movements like bending, reaching or even sneezing caused sharp pain. Sleep became difficult, and she found herself stepping away from the activities she loved.

Seeking answers, Fontes consulted with Dr. Bassewitz. He explained that her overall health and activity level made her an excellent candidate for an L5-S1 fusion, a procedure designed to eliminate painful motion and stabilize the spine. Although initially hesitant about back surgery, she scheduled a follow-up visit to ask Dr. Bassewitz additional questions. His patience, expertise and clear communication ultimately gave her the confidence to proceed.

Following her procedure, Fontes experienced no significant pain aside from mild incision discomfort. Her recovery involved wearing a back brace and avoiding bending, lifting and twisting for six weeks. She attended all follow-up visits with Dr. Bassewitz’s physician assistant, Edmund Afrim-Antwi, and did not require physical therapy. By six months, she was cleared for light activity, and at one year, she was cleared for all activities.

Today, Fontes has resumed pickleball, returned to gardening and is hiking again. Even simple milestones such as being able to sneeze without pain serve as reminders of her renewed freedom of movement. She rarely thinks about her back anymore and is thrilled to be fully active once again.

"Chronic back pain can significantly limit a patient’s life," said Dr. Bassewitz. "Amy’s recovery reflects both the effectiveness of modern spine surgery and her dedication to healing. It has been a privilege to help her return to the activities she enjoys."

Desert Orthopaedic Center is proud to share Fontes’ story, an example of how skilled surgical care and patient determination can lead to lasting recovery. Fontes credits Dr. Bassewitz and the Desert Orthopaedic Center team with giving her back the life she loves, and she has no plans to slow down. 

For patients in need of expert orthopaedic care, Desert Orthopaedic Center offers appointments at multiple convenient locations throughout Las Vegas, including 2800 E. Desert Inn Road, Suite 100; 8402 W. Centennial Parkway, Suite 100; 8205 W. Warm Springs Road, Suite 250; and 8689 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 105 as well as in Henderson at 2930 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 100.

To learn more about patient stories like Fontes’ or to schedule an appointment with an expert at Desert Orthopaedic Center, please call 702-731-4088.