HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Lower Back Pain And Tingling In Leg After Fusion Surgery?

default
Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2015
Question: I had fusion surgery 7/4/2014 and have been having extreme lower back pain with pain, numbness and tingling all the to my toes in m left leg. I just got the results of my CT scan and don't understand Can you explain the following in laymen terms:
FINDINGS:
There is redemonstration of anterior interbody fusion hardware at
L4-L5 and L5-S1. There is left greater than right lucency around the
bilateral L4 body screws surrounding sclerosis. There is also a lesser
degree of lucency surrounding the L5 and S1 body screws. Otherwise,
the hardware is intact without fracture. Note is made of incomplete
incorporation of interbody bone at both levels.

No fractures of the lumbar spine or vertebral bodies locations are
present. There is evidence of broad-based disc bulge and left
neuroforaminal narrowing at L3-L4, there is otherwise no significant
compromise of the central canal or neural foramina.

Note is made of abdominal aorta has atherosclerotic calcifications.

IMPRESSION:
1. Lucencies surrounding vertebral body screws at L4, L5, and S1. This
is most prominent at L4, suggesting motion.
2. Incomplete incorporation of interbody bone at L4-L5 and L5-S1.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Indicates Loosening of the device.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Madam,

I understand your concern.

Many of your current symptoms which you described - extreme lower back pain with pain, numbness and tingling-left leg are directly related to the broad-based disc bulge and left neuro foraminal narrowing at L3-L4 as described on the CT scan.

Pertaining to the lucencies noted- Lucency suggests movement at the operated level and loosening of the device or screw.

This is most prominent at the fourth lumbar vertebra in your case.
This is the site of the previous joint fusion.

This Lucency is because of the Improper hardware incorporation between two bones set to be joined.

All I advise you is to consult your operating surgeon at the earliest.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prasanna Heijebu

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1422 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Lower Back Pain And Tingling In Leg After Fusion Surgery?

Brief Answer: Indicates Loosening of the device. Detailed Answer: Hi Madam, I understand your concern. Many of your current symptoms which you described - extreme lower back pain with pain, numbness and tingling-left leg are directly related to the broad-based disc bulge and left neuro foraminal narrowing at L3-L4 as described on the CT scan. Pertaining to the lucencies noted- Lucency suggests movement at the operated level and loosening of the device or screw. This is most prominent at the fourth lumbar vertebra in your case. This is the site of the previous joint fusion. This Lucency is because of the Improper hardware incorporation between two bones set to be joined. All I advise you is to consult your operating surgeon at the earliest. Post your further queries if any. Thank you.