Unfortunately one of the potential effects of having disc surgery is a retained disc or bone fragement which seems to be the case in the report. I cannot be sure if the L4 root compression is causing symptoms based on your note (would cause pain medial leg and foot, weakness of knee flexion, decreased knee jerk). The S1 root does seem to be causing probably most of your symptoms, and with a retained fragment usually necessitates further surgery. The cyst is probably incidental and does not need to be removed. THere is no special name for the procedure of removing a fragemnt apart from teh surgical approach ie anterior/posterior laminectomy etc. The nerve if irritated only should recover and does not need to 'regrow'
Good luck
Doctor: Thank you for your quick response and, of course, this formum. It's such a wonderful resouce for all.
Neuosurgureon believes the myelogram bone fragment finding is really calcification. He reviewed a pre-surgery MRI and indicated it revealed a "small dot" off the S2 cyst and believes that is what the radiologist is seeing on the myelo.
Yes, I do have the L4 symptoms of pain medial thighs and foot. No problems with the knees though.
Neurosurgeon does not recommend surgery. He did recommend two local physicans that I may want to try for a second opinion, which I will. Neurosurgeon considers them the "BEST" when it comes to spine neurosurgery.
Thanks again for sharing your expertise with us layman!!
TaterTot 3
Thank you Orazio for your comments as well!
My appointment has been rescheduled for 11/2. Neurosurgeon on call at hospital - called in for two emergencies today.
Thank you - TaterTot3
Hi,
In '98 I suffered a blown disc at the L5/S1 level which resulted in Cauda Equina Syndrome. My L5/S1 nerve roots did not recover, but from the data that I have read and the docs that I have talked to, nerve roots and the nerves themselves may recover after a period of 6 months to a year. It's kinda like a wait and see.
Opps! Appointment with neurosurgeon is 11/1, not 11/4.
Thanks - Tatertot