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What Causes Constant Numbness In The Leg After Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Posted on
Mon, 1 May 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 1 May 2017
Answered on
Mon, 29 May 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I had a 360 degree L3,l4 , l5 fusion with discectomy. After 6+ months continuing with loss of control to left leg coordination. Continued numbness to lower leg and foot. Received therapy. Able to walk with walker, or severe unbalanced with cane. Also pain and spasms to area. Need some feedback, will this be permanent, or is there other things I should be trying? Thank you
Brief Answer:
Recovery may continue for up to a year.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The necessary time for fusion to consolidate and for nerve damage to heal may vary among different patients. In most of them results should be seen during the first 3-6 months but in some cases it can reach up to a year. Of course the longer it goes the less likely it is for regeneration to take place so percentage of improvement goes diminishing. At more than 6 months there is a real risk that there has been some permanent damage I won't lie about that. But as I said improvement in some patients may continue for up to a year. In terms of what you can try there isn't something else which you should try for now, only physical therapy and pain treatment as needed.
If symptoms persist for a year with no improvement I would schedule another imaging exam, both to confirm that fusion has taken place as it should as well as to confirm that there might not be other causes responsible at other levels which were not addressed by surgery.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Recovery may continue for up to a year.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The necessary time for fusion to consolidate and for nerve damage to heal may vary among different patients. In most of them results should be seen during the first 3-6 months but in some cases it can reach up to a year. Of course the longer it goes the less likely it is for regeneration to take place so percentage of improvement goes diminishing. At more than 6 months there is a real risk that there has been some permanent damage I won't lie about that. But as I said improvement in some patients may continue for up to a year. In terms of what you can try there isn't something else which you should try for now, only physical therapy and pain treatment as needed.
If symptoms persist for a year with no improvement I would schedule another imaging exam, both to confirm that fusion has taken place as it should as well as to confirm that there might not be other causes responsible at other levels which were not addressed by surgery.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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