SCAR TISSUE COMPRESSION

Posted By Steve G. on November 01, 1998 at 22:32:25:







I'm a 43 year old male  in great shape except. Two years ago I was diagnosed with a disc herniation left side L5-S1.I attempted conservitive treatment corizone injection,physical therapy, mild streching. The pain continued, mostly left S-1 nerve root pain.loss of some feeling on the outside of my foot and 3 smaller toes,reduced reflects at the knee and ankle. My Orthopedic surgeon advised a Microdiscectomy at L5-S1. Two weeks after surgery Jan. 98 same pain, fail back surgery syndrome. I have been surviving on endoscopic epidural injections which last 4 to 6 weeks with advil and perocet in between. I am in South Florida now and had a discogram ,flection extenion x-ray both negative. Recent MRI report, Impression:  degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 statrus post microdiscectomy  and left L5-S1 hemilaminectomy. Enhancing scar around the decending left S1 nerve root. No definite disc herniation or significant disc bulge present.
Two neurosurgeons advise that my pain is caused by scar tissue compressing the nerve root and the odds are not good at correcting this surgically.
Two other Neurosurgeons advise that due to my degenerative state complicated
by the disc herniation, the lack of space between the two vertebrea are causing the compression on the nerve root.I do not have bilateral pain  I have mostly left leg, buttock,  and some back pain when provoked. Conclusion, Cage fusion with a laminectomy, removal of scar tissue and repack S1 nerve root with some kind of gel to prevent future growth of more scar tissue.
What are your thoughts on cage fusions for decompressing nerve roots?
Can scar tissue surrounding a nerve root be removed and how ?
Is their a gel that can prevent the scar tissue from reforming?
What are your thoughts on my condition?    Thanks