Sciatica, Leg Pain, Radiculopathy
Welcome to Spine-health’s Sciatica, Leg Pain and Radiculopathy patient community. You can also read doctor approved Sciatica and Leg Pain Articles and watch Sciatica Videos.
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 07:28
Two Laminectomies
On May 28 I had a laminectomy discectomy and bone spur removal at L 4/5 to relieve extreme sciatica pain in left leg. At the time of the surgery, my NS was aware of an additional herniation at L 2/3, but felt addressing L 4/5 would relieve the pain and would deal with L 2/3 later. Post surgery I continued to have weakness in the left leg and pain in the left hip; I cannot put full weight on the left leg and walk with a cane. My NS has said to resolve this problem, I need a a second laminectomy. Will these two laminectomies result in destabilization of the spine requiring fusion? Is there a downside to fusion?
User login
advertisement
New forum topics
Top Clinical Trials
Quick Find
Who's online
There are currently 21 users and 1185 guests online.
As you know, none of us are medical professionals, but I see no reason why a second lami would destabilize your spine. The segments are not adjacent. It would certainly be worth a try to do the lesser procedure.
There are a number of downsides to fusion. It is a BIG surgery and requires a very long recovery. There is no guarantee that it will fix what is wrong. There is nowhere left to go after fusion. The chance for success decreases with the number of levels that require fusing -- in other words, fusing one level has a higher rate of success than fusing multiple levels.
Also with multiple levels the patient begins to lose flexibility in the spine.
Have you thought about getting a second opinion before proceeding with the second surgery? Are you quite sure it is the other disk that is generating your pain?
spondylolisthesis at L4-5; stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5
radiculopathy for about 3 years
PLIF (L4-L5)in Jan '08 (PEEK cage, rods & Screws, BMP); continued radiculopathy....
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan '09; continued radiculopathy;
Bulging discs L3-4 & L5-S1; crazy screwed-up S1 nerve
***** I have no medical training and am in no way connected with the medical profession, other than doing my part to keep them at full employment. My posts are based on personal experience and knowledge gained through the adventures of living. Take them for what they are worth....