Orthopedic Patient Stories
A "10 Billion" Thank You
After spinal fusion surgery, Christine Brumus is grateful for Dr. Malik's expert care - and shares her joy with everyone she meets.
Christine Brumis is so pleased with the care she received from Sarah Bush Lincoln Orthopedic Surgeon M. Saad Malik, MD, that she recommends him every chance she gets to people who need care for back issues.
“Every time I see someone who looks like they are in pain or who says they have pain, I tell them they need to go see Dr. Malik,” Christine said.
“She really does,” added Arletta Brumis, Christine’s mother. “It doesn’t matter where we are. She tells them about Dr. Malik.”
Christine said that on a scale of one to 10, she likes and appreciates Dr. Malik at level “10 billion.” The
Louisville, Illinois resident said, “He was simply amazing, and he treated me so well.”
Christine fell and injured her back early last year while at an appointment. “She got checked out immediately and everything looked fine, but she started getting worse after that,” Arletta said.
X-rays showed that Christine had a spinal fracture. Though it was unclear whether the fall or a past injury had caused the fracture, the fall aggravated it. “Essentially, half of her body didn’t work, almost like she was paralyzed,” Arletta said.
Christine was referred to Dr. Malik, who specializes in spinal procedures. Her injury caused compression of her spinal cord, which led to decreased function in her legs. “It was to the point where she couldn’t even bend down to get things out of the dishwasher,” Arletta said.
In October 2024, Dr. Malik performed a spinal fusion on Christine’s back. During the procedure, surgeons insert screws and rods into the spine to ensure segments of the spine that are causing trouble stay in place so the spine is not compressed and painful.
“Dr. Malik was wonderful. I enjoyed how much he explained everything in great depth,” Christine said. “Even when I showed a tad bit of confusion, he made sure to help me understand it.”
Prior to the surgery a year ago, Christine needed considerable help to get around. One year post-operation, she has recovered tremendously and only needs occasional help when walking. “Dr. Malik said I have recovered quicker than most people usually do after this surgery,” Christine said. “Pretty soon I’ll be running circles around my mom.”
Christine and Arletta are grateful for Dr. Malik’s care, and they are also grateful for how he and the other orthopedic staff treated her service dog Scout. “Scout was the real celebrity at all my appointments,” Christine said.
To make an appointment or for more information about SBL Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Mattoon, call 217 238-3435. For the SBL Bonutti Clinic Orthopedics in Effingham, call 217 342-3400. You can call SBL Physical and Occupational Therapy at 217 258-2530.