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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Buttocks Continue To Hurt After Back Surgery For Spinal Stenosis. Right Leg Unable To Bear Weight. Solution ?

I had back surgery on 4-24-13 for spinal stinosis. Since that time my buttox continue to hurt and I can not put full weight on my right leg. The pain is a 14 on a scale of 1-10 expecially first thing in the morning. The inability to put weight on the right leg is bad whenever I stand after sitting. A recent xray found I have moderate to severe L4-L5 degenerative disc disease. Mild degenerative disc disease at L2 -L3. Facet sclerosis is present at L4-L5 and L5-Sl. My back surgeon said I am not a candidate for more surgery that I am getting old (73) rusting, need to lose weight (l58 lbs and 5'5") and exercise. I referred myself to physical therapy and paid myself but can't do the exercises because they are too painful. Not sure where to turn.
Thu, 19 Sep 2013
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Spine Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi
Thank you for your question to HCM.

Surgery for spinal stenosis falls in two categories- decompression and fusion and decompression alone. From your description it sounds like it was just the decompression however detailed description about the type of procedure would be helpful. At this point MRI of lumbar spine with and without contrast will demonstrate the cause of persistent problems.

Many times spinal instability coexists with spinal stenosis as both result from degenerative changes. If your imaging (Xray and MRI spine) shows signs of instability instrumentation and fusion of unstable segment may be required. At age 73 if you do not have diabetes, hypertension or other medical problems increasing operative risk, the surgery should be safe. Degeneration is a problem of advanced age and is commonly seen in people of your age.

Hope this is helpful. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Buttocks Continue To Hurt After Back Surgery For Spinal Stenosis. Right Leg Unable To Bear Weight. Solution ?

Hi Thank you for your question to HCM. Surgery for spinal stenosis falls in two categories- decompression and fusion and decompression alone. From your description it sounds like it was just the decompression however detailed description about the type of procedure would be helpful. At this point MRI of lumbar spine with and without contrast will demonstrate the cause of persistent problems. Many times spinal instability coexists with spinal stenosis as both result from degenerative changes. If your imaging (Xray and MRI spine) shows signs of instability instrumentation and fusion of unstable segment may be required. At age 73 if you do not have diabetes, hypertension or other medical problems increasing operative risk, the surgery should be safe. Degeneration is a problem of advanced age and is commonly seen in people of your age. Hope this is helpful. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.