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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Knee And Calf Numbness Following Lumbar Fusion Be Treated?

I had a lumbar fushion at L3-L4 done almost two months ago the inside of my right knee all the way down to mid cav is always numb now an never was before the surgery also the pain that caused the surgery is five times worst now..what could be causing this?
posted on Thu, 31 Jul 2014
Twitter Sun, 22 Feb 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

While neck region surgeries have a higher success rate, the same cannot be said about lower back surgeries. Though the pressure on nerve roots at strategic locations seems to be relieved by doing surgical procedure, the patient might often complain severe lower back pain even after surgery. This happens in about 20 to 40 percent of patients and the reason is that the affected nerve roots are still under pressure in areas other than where surgical manipulation has been done.

You can choose to get repeat surgery done but that also has limitations after a fusion surgery. Please discuss non surgical procedures like radio frequency techniques and targeted nerve root block. These are temporary procedures and might need repeat sessions every year.

Wishing the patient a quick recovery.
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How Can Knee And Calf Numbness Following Lumbar Fusion Be Treated?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. While neck region surgeries have a higher success rate, the same cannot be said about lower back surgeries. Though the pressure on nerve roots at strategic locations seems to be relieved by doing surgical procedure, the patient might often complain severe lower back pain even after surgery. This happens in about 20 to 40 percent of patients and the reason is that the affected nerve roots are still under pressure in areas other than where surgical manipulation has been done. You can choose to get repeat surgery done but that also has limitations after a fusion surgery. Please discuss non surgical procedures like radio frequency techniques and targeted nerve root block. These are temporary procedures and might need repeat sessions every year. Wishing the patient a quick recovery.