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What Are The Risks Associated With Spinal Fusion For Spinal Stenosis?
Question: Hello! I am a 47-yr old female, 5'7", 160 lbs., diagnosed with spinal stenosis, lumbar-sacral radiculopathy, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and two herniated discs. One year ago, I had a laminectomy performed to relieve low back & sciatica pain, which failed. My neurosurgeon wanted to perform a less-invasive procedure instead of a spinal fusion. He now wants to do the fusion.
I've exhausted other avenues including physical therapy, injections, chiropractic care, etc. I'm currently in Pain Management, taking medications and I do Aquatherapy several times a week on my own, as I cannot afford frequent co-pays.
My questions are...What are the chances the fusion will be a success and am I making the right decision to have it done? My biggest fear is that I may be worse. Would you have any other recommendations?
Thank you in advance for your help.
I've exhausted other avenues including physical therapy, injections, chiropractic care, etc. I'm currently in Pain Management, taking medications and I do Aquatherapy several times a week on my own, as I cannot afford frequent co-pays.
My questions are...What are the chances the fusion will be a success and am I making the right decision to have it done? My biggest fear is that I may be worse. Would you have any other recommendations?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Brief Answer:
spinal fusion, risks vs benefits
Detailed Answer:
Hi!
Welcome to health care magic!
I am Dr. Saddiq Ul Abidin. I have read your problem in detail and will try to help you in best way possible.
Based on details you have shared you have already been through alot. It is a tricky situation to be into, but the next resort seems to be the surgical one as you have been told and offered too.
Let me clarify few things first. 100% recovery is extremly rare, though majority people had 70-80% improvement in symptoms which too is quite significant.
The recovery period needs a slow, steady and determined approach and majority of outcome will depend on that. You may be asked to wear some braces to restrict mobility at surgical site for few months and you will have to comply patiently with all the instructions given by your neuro surgeon.
Weight loss and management of osteoporosis to keep both under control will improve the success rate of the surgery.
In any case, decision would be your own. Risks are same like are with many surgical procedures like post surgical bleeding, infection or failure but are rare. Specific side effects like permanent debilitating injuries are extremly rare happenings. Mostly surgeons who perform the procedure are already skilled enough. I hope now you will be able to decide keeping these things in mind. Hoping you a permanent recovery.
Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. kindly rate me generously before closing, and leave your feedback if possible.
Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ul abidin.
spinal fusion, risks vs benefits
Detailed Answer:
Hi!
Welcome to health care magic!
I am Dr. Saddiq Ul Abidin. I have read your problem in detail and will try to help you in best way possible.
Based on details you have shared you have already been through alot. It is a tricky situation to be into, but the next resort seems to be the surgical one as you have been told and offered too.
Let me clarify few things first. 100% recovery is extremly rare, though majority people had 70-80% improvement in symptoms which too is quite significant.
The recovery period needs a slow, steady and determined approach and majority of outcome will depend on that. You may be asked to wear some braces to restrict mobility at surgical site for few months and you will have to comply patiently with all the instructions given by your neuro surgeon.
Weight loss and management of osteoporosis to keep both under control will improve the success rate of the surgery.
In any case, decision would be your own. Risks are same like are with many surgical procedures like post surgical bleeding, infection or failure but are rare. Specific side effects like permanent debilitating injuries are extremly rare happenings. Mostly surgeons who perform the procedure are already skilled enough. I hope now you will be able to decide keeping these things in mind. Hoping you a permanent recovery.
Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. kindly rate me generously before closing, and leave your feedback if possible.
Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ul abidin.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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