Post XLIF

[dee5391]

I had L4-5 XLIF procedure due to a hernaited disc. I choose to have this procedure due to faster recovery and less invasive procedure. Woke up from surgery and had excruitating pain in my hip, groin and thigh area. I was unable to left my leg, unable to walk without the use of a walker for 2 weeks. I am now 8 weeks post op and groin pain and weakness has gotten better but I am still having bad hip pain and a burning sensation that has not let up. 2 weeks after surgery doctor put me on neurotin and medrol dose pak which help with the groin pain. Getting very concerned that I am going to be like this forever. I am in PT and the therapist think I may have damage to the psoas muscle. She said it might take up to 6 months to heal. I am hoping to get better sooner!!

Would like to know if anyone has had this procedure and what their outcomes have been and if others have had some of the same problems. Want to know if this is normal for everyone who has had this procedure. The MD do not always tell you everything that could or could not happen. When I woke up from surgery I was so upset because I could not walk.

[dee5391]

Well I am now nearly 6 months after my L4-5 XLIF surgery and I am still having awful pain in my hip and groin area. My doctor is sending me for an EMG to rule out Femoral nerve damage.

Wondering if anyone has had this problem after having L 4-5 Lumbar surgery. I am in more pain than I was in prior to surgery. The one good thing is back is better or I am not feeling it because the grion and hip pain is so bad.
If I do have femoral nerve damage; will it repair itself over time?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Some amount of pain/ discomfort may occur for a few weeks after the surgery due to associated inflammation which is gradually expected to get better with time; tough recovery may or may not be complete, depending on the primary condition before surgery. I would suggest discussing the situation and the expected prognosis in detail with your treating doctor. Meanwhile I would suggest taking the anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers for symptomatic control.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!