Connect
← Return to Spondylolisthesis: Spinal Fusion at L-4-L5
Discussion
Spondylolisthesis: Spinal Fusion at L-4-L5
Spine Health | Last Active: Jul 18 7:36am | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
I have degenerative discs with stenosis in a few spots in my back. The spot that is causing the most issues is the L4 L5, and I have spondylolisthesis there too. I've had visits with two neurologist surgeons that evaluated my MRI's. One said nothing warranted surgery, the latest one now 5 months later is saying fusion of L4 and L5 is recommended since symptoms of pain in the back, and tingling of lower groin down thighs calves and feet has been progressing since the first Dr. The recent Dr. is saying my symptoms will likely progress to loss of mobility with foot drop if I do nothing. That Dr. is suggesting L4 L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with bone marrow, a cage placed where the disc was and I'm assuming some type of screw / pin support.
Has anyone else gone through this process? I've not scheduled surgery yet, I've a few more questions to have answered and stumbled into this forum while looking for answers.
Replies to "I have degenerative discs with stenosis in a few spots in my back. The spot that..."
@kramer1. My situation is very similar. Progressive leg pain came in episodic bursts over 3 years. The last one started in October of 2022, waned by December then returned in March with a vengeance. My radiculopathy was complicated by a muscle cramping that increased the pain. By May, 2023 I could walk only 20 feet and the right leg pain was intense and nearly constant. My physiatrist referred me for a surgical consult in June. They recommended a TLIF of L4-L5 using ground bone from the removed facet joint bone plus cadaver bone. Surgery in mid-July was successful with a neurosurgeon monitoring throughout while the orthopedic surgeon did most of the work. I woke up after the surgery with no pain and could walk the next morning with only a low backache. I’m so thankful to have gotten this surgery. Recovery has been hard mostly for the loss of energy (I am 77 year old female). I overcooked the rehab (SO nice to move without pain!) and now am grappling with hip tendinitis —a setback but fairly minor. My surgical team prepared us well and recovery lacked the unwelcome drama that others describe. I was more tired and more emotionally table than I expected but pain was less than pre-op and a lot easier to manage, too (ice or heat packs plus twice weekly massage) on quad muscles mostly that were objecting to 5 hours of lying prone after months of “shopping-cart” posture. PT now at 9 months is revealing deconditioning that I overlooked. I need to build muscle strength back with a bit more patience to allow more strenuous exercise. But I am optimistic and remain over-the-moon happy with that right leg pain gone. I wish you the best for the difficult decisions ahead. I hope my good news story will give some helpful dimension. In addition, this Mayo site has been a game changer for support and issues to bring up with medical support staff. Good luck!!
Connect
Yes, I agreed to a minimally evasive fusion procedure over a year ago. Four small surgical sites. Very good surgeon and was ready to go home in 24 hours. I am no stranger to Pain… and was told that because my arthritis and fibromyalgia, this could only take care of one half of my pain. I had gone through chemo and my lymphoma is gone, but I was left it some bone and nerve damage.
I have fallen 3 times last year but the glue at the fusion site heldL4 & L5 in place 🙏