Knee pain & weakness following Hern. Lumbar Surgery, Spinal Dec. & Laminectomy

[Deborah__0__0]

Posted by Deborah on June 10, 1999 at 09:58:10
Dear Dr... I thank you in advance for the information you provide.  I had a microdiscectomy, laminectomy & spinal decompression surgery in June 98...(I am 43 year old female)I had a severe herniation of the L4-L5 disc with nerve root compression on the L5 nerve....the thecal sac was almost total block to contrast on myelogram in June 98...I had 3 months PT following a 16 week recovery...I wear, at times, an AFO brace and use a cane when I walk any distance...
about 2 1/2 months ago I began to experience a sharp piercing pain in my knee cap...I spoke to my famiy Dr. and he recommended returning to my Neuosurgeon as the knee pain/prblem was related to my back...I spoke to my Neurosurgeon and he wanted me to see an Orthopedist to rule out structual problems with the knee....which I did on May 25...Ortho said no structural problem with the knee....I have been scheduled for a closed MRI for June 21, 1999 with a return trip to my Nueorsurgeon following...
...it feels like the knee pain travels down the sciatic nerve and runs into and stops with my knee..I have had no return of feeling in my outer right calf since before surgery (nerve was compressed 6 mos.) but I also experience a sensation as tho the back of my calf (middle) has been sliced open with a razor, not constant like the knee tho...I have continued loss of full feeling and strength in my foot..but I do feel as tho my ankle and leg are getting weaker....I had pretty severe back pain up until  when the knee problem occured...I also have/had cauda equina, DDD, spinal stenosis & spondlyosis (sp)....question...does this sound as if I am having spinal slippage that will require fusion...another herniated disc (L5-S1...the one below the L5) had degenerated alot on MRI last year...or could it be something minor?  Residual radiculpathy...scar tissue compressing the nerve..HELP...do you suspect more surgery is in my future? I accept my bak condition and if further surgery is required, then so be it...what is difficult for me is the wondering what is going on with my back & knee/leg...thanks Deborah!

Posted by CCF on June 10, 1999 at 13:07:55
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[LeftyL]

A related discussion, Groin, upper leg and knee weakness following spinal fusion surgery was started.