Workers' Compensation Board Rules on Case Based on Dr. Alfred Bonati's "Superior Qualifications and Credible Opinion".

HUDSON, Fla. -- The Bonati Institute, a leading center for advanced endoscopic laser spine surgery, today announced that a decision from the State of New York Workers' Compensation Board ruled to support the recommendations of Alfred Bonati, M.D. based on his "superior qualifications and credible opinion."

The claimant involved in the case, William Horrigan of Binghamton, New York, injured his cervical spine and shoulder in 1998 when he attempted to pull on a valve while working at a waste water plant. After being misdiagnosed by multiple doctors, receiving physical therapy, and experiencing surgery delays, Mr. Horrigan reported that his condition only got worse.

He spoke with a friend who attributed being pain free after his spine was treated utilizing The Bonati Procedures. The Bonati Procedures utilize specially designed instruments and methods developed and patented by Dr. Bonati. The Bonati Procedures are less invasive than "open" spine surgery and are the first surgical procedures to adapt arthroscopic surgical techniques to problems of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine, resulting in less trauma to the muscles and tissue.

The Bonati Procedures are performed one level at a time to reduce the trauma to the spine and promote the healing process. The Procedures are gentle enough to require only local anesthesia, leaving the patient alert and able to communicate with the surgeon throughout the procedure. The less invasive nature of The Bonati Institute's advanced arthroscopic surgery also qualifies The Bonati Procedures as outpatient surgeries. Outpatient surgeries do not require any costly overnight hospitalization.

Dr. Bonati performed four surgeries on Mr. Horrigan between 2002 and 2005. Mr. Horrigan stated, "All the surgeries should have been completed in 2002. The Hartford Insurance Company, my employer's insurance carrier, had a problem with me having surgery utilizing The Bonati Procedures. They wanted me to have surgery in the conventional manner, which would have meant general anesthesia, hospital confinement, a neck brace, scarring, swelling, and pain. For this reason only, my claim was not resolved in a timely manner."

After the four surgeries, Mr. Horrigan continued with weakness of the right arm and right shoulder. In March 2006 Dr. Bonati recommended that Mr. Horrigan undergo an additional surgery. However, the insurance carrier for the employer argued that the shoulder surgery Dr. Bonati was recommending was not necessary.

At the Workers' Compensation hearing involving Mr. Horrigan's claim, Judge Kenneth Krigstein of the State of New York Workers' Compensation Board stated, "I have reviewed these objections and considered the carrier's attorney's arguments in connection therewith and find and conclude that they are entirely devoid of substantial merit."

The Workers' Compensation Board found "In light of Dr. Bonati's superior qualifications and his credible opinion that the claimant would probably benefit from shoulder surgery, I find that it would be unfair and unjust to force this claimant to such poor function and find and conclude that the claimant has proven an entitlement to surgery authorization."

Mr. Horrigan commented, "I am looking forward to having my surgery performed at The Bonati Institute. Dr. Bonati is an outstanding surgeon who is committed to his patients, his procedures and his profession. To see people arrive at the Clinic with pain on their faces and leave with a smile is truly a miracle. I will continue to recommend Dr. Bonati to everyone I know."

The Bonati Institute

The Bonati Institute is a leading center for advanced endoscopic laser spine surgery is the culmination of years of innovation and dedication to helping people in pain. The medical complex occupies an 11-acre campus in Hudson, Florida, and includes The Institute's Diagnostic and Clinical Services Center, Surgical Center, Neurology Center, Pain Management Center, Physical Therapy Center and Imaging Center. " Bonati," "The Bonati Procedures" and "The Bonati Institute" are service marks and are the property of The Bonati Institute. For more information, please visit www.bonati.com.