More Search Tools: Doctors Videos
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.
1 reply [Last post]
July 2, 2009 - 7:28am
Anonymous
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?

Top
July 2, 2009 - 8:52am
#1
gwennie17
User offline. Last seen 1 year 38 weeks ago. Offline
Banned after receiveing more than 4 formal warnings
Joined: 12/30/2008
Posts: 3099
Points: 6230
Welcome to the board ~

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?

_____________

I have no medical training. Comments are based on personal experience and lots of research and reading.
PLIF @ L4-5 with Peek cage, rods and screws Jan 2008
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan 2009
Fusion L3-S1 coming up -- 1 June

Top
Jump to: