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Spondylolisthesis: Spinal Fusion at L-4-L5
Spine Health | Last Active: Jul 18 7:36am | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
@kremer1 - I understand your current dilemma and it can be challenging to make the right decision: surgery or deferral. Two things you mentioned got my attention: you described that symptoms seem to be progressing plus you were now experiencing groin tingling. Both comments suggest you may be approaching the point where the risks of surgery are outweighed by the risks of deferring surgery.
As the stenosis and spondy combine to increasingly pinch nerves in your lumbar spine - you want to avoid permanent nerve damage. A two-level “fix” can be pretty straight forward. I always suggest multiple opinions using the best diagnostic equipment available. The decision is framed as “personal risk”. Which risk are you most comfortable with?
Have you had a 2nd recent opinion? Are you comfortable that your films were made with the best equipment? I ended up with a great session with a physiatrist (like a pain doctor) which helped me frame the risk management decision. I had full work down on L2-5.
My best…
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Thank you for your comments. You are correct in that the situation is progressing to the point that I think I need to go ahead with the surgery. I've another appointment with the neurologist/surgeon to review the procedure that she will use. What I was told from the first visit notes was L4-5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with bone marrow aspirate. What I'm not sure about is whether it is done in a least invasive manner and whether the inner spinal ligament is removed. From looking at other information / video it sounds like it is best to avoid ligament removal for stability reasons. Newer technology allows to not remove it, I think. So the procedure is a TLIF, and I just need more questions answered, but am thinking that I have to go forward with the surgery.
How was the outcome of your surgery? Can you share your outcome, recovery time, any issues with it dealing with the problems you had prior to surgery? I may have more questions, and would like to maintain this open dialog if possible.