Pedicle Screw Breaching

[rayq]

I had a spinal fusion surguery due to left leg and back pain. The day after the operation I starting getting tremendous pain on my right leg down to my toes, and even numbness. I told the doctor about this pain and he said it was good because that told him I was walking around and that the pain would eventually go away. My fusion was on the L4-L5 and performed on 06/18/07. As of right now 01/14/09, the pain is still there and even worse because by the end of the work day I can hardly walk due to the pain and numbness.

I have gone to another Dr. and have gone thru MRI's, injections (3), CT scan, and Emg and the Dr. says that the screws seem to be touching the nerves and this is causing the pain. He has suggested to do another decompression, laminectomy, facetectom and foramintotmy.

What do you suggest or recommend? Should I have this operation? What is revision surgery?

[rayq]

Thanks, makes my decision that much easier.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi There,

At the moment surgery seems to be a good option in your case since the screws from the first surgery are putting pressure on the nerves which have to decompress.
The success of the revision surgery depends upon the skill of the operating surgeon and general health of the patient
Another factor which influences the rate of success is the post op care and rehab.
Hope this helps!