Neurosurgery

    
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Posted by CCF Neurosurgery MD on November 11, 1997 at 12:39:40:

In Reply to: Neurosurgery posted by Alan Kramer on November 02, 1997 at 04:22:51:

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  On July 26, 1997, my wife-age 64-  underwent lower back surgery (laminectomy and diskectomy)  to relieve pain originating in her lower back and traveling down her left thigh.  Ten days after the surgery, on August 6, 1997, a second surgery because the first surgery was not successful in alleviating my wife's pain.  In fact, immediately following the first back operation and up until this point, the pain from her back appears to have increased and moved to her foot.
  Since the surgery, in addition to the increased pain, my wife's left foot has twisted inward and she is unable to straighten it out.( Not dropped foot) She had never had this type of problem with her foot before the back surgery and had never had to wear a permanent foot brace, which the doctors are now recommended. The continuance and severity of my wife's pain and her twisted foot suggest that something occurred during the surgery to cause these problems.
  The quality of my wife's life has gone to zero since the surgery,.  She is virtually housebound due to her foot and the pain.  The doctors have attempted to treat the pain, but the treatment has proceeded slowly and has not been satisfactory.  What most concerns her and her family is that the doctors have not attempted to fully explain the cause of her pain and inverted foot.  In checking with other sources, we have been informed that problems of this kind following back surgery are very rare.
  My wife and family request a full explanation of the possible causes of the pain and inverted foot and possible courses of treatment, but as of this date we have had no response.  We need help and soon. Can you please help me with some explanations and suggestions.  
  
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Dear Alan,
Your wife has had a difficult course.  It is hard to say what exactly
may be going on with your wife at this time.  Generally speaking, patients
will note an improvement in pain and function after such a surgery.  This,
however, was not your wife's experience.
Much of your wife's present situation depends on what was done at surgery
both times.  Only the neurosurgeon can shed light here.  Regardless, your
wife should probably have a repeat MRI to look for any further pathology that
may be causing her present condition.
You need to speak in detail with your neurosurgeon to get his impression of
the overall situation.  If you cannot get a reasonable answer, then a second
opinion may be wise.
Good luck.