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Severe Back Pain Radiating To Knee, Unable To Walk, On Steroid. MRI Shows Diffuse Posterior Bulge. Surgery Required ?
h/o severe back pain radiating to knee,,unable to walk properly...put him on high dose of steroid and pain killer three time a day..MRI shows diffuse posterior bulge with small left paracentral protursion of l4 l5 disc compressing thecal sac and left budding nerve root .. diffuse posterior bulge of l1-l2 & l2-l3 disc intending thecal sac diffuse posterior bulge of l5 -s1 disc effacing anterior epidural fat,,,plz explain daes such patient need surgery?
posted on
Sun, 16 Dec 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 16 Dec 2012
Answered on
Mon, 17 Dec 2012
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Your MRI and history is consistent with lumbosacral spondylosis with disc prolapse at multiple level, significant being the L4-L5 level with L) nerve root involvement. Decision to go for surgery depends on extent of weakness in L) lower limb . Just wait for the improvement with treatment planned presently.Avoid lifting weight and flexion of spine.Take absolute bed rest for next 2 weeks .Use lumbosacral belt for minimal daily activity .Take care
Your MRI and history is consistent with lumbosacral spondylosis with disc prolapse at multiple level, significant being the L4-L5 level with L) nerve root involvement. Decision to go for surgery depends on extent of weakness in L) lower limb . Just wait for the improvement with treatment planned presently.Avoid lifting weight and flexion of spine.Take absolute bed rest for next 2 weeks .Use lumbosacral belt for minimal daily activity .Take care
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Hello,
Your MRI and history is consistent with lumbosacral spondylosis with disc prolapse at multiple level, significant being the L4-L5 level with L) nerve root involvement. Decision to go for surgery depends on extent of weakness in L) lower limb . Just wait for the improvement with treatment planned presently.Avoid lifting weight and flexion of spine.Take absolute bed rest for next 2 weeks .Use lumbosacral belt for minimal daily activity .Take care
Your MRI and history is consistent with lumbosacral spondylosis with disc prolapse at multiple level, significant being the L4-L5 level with L) nerve root involvement. Decision to go for surgery depends on extent of weakness in L) lower limb . Just wait for the improvement with treatment planned presently.Avoid lifting weight and flexion of spine.Take absolute bed rest for next 2 weeks .Use lumbosacral belt for minimal daily activity .Take care
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Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
The decision regarding surgery for disc prolapse is a clinical decision and cannot be done based on an MRI report alone. This decision will depend on a number of factors like:
- severity of symptoms
- degree of disability to the patient
- risk of further nerve damage due to the disc prolapse
- the choice of the patient
So, I would advise you to have a detailed discussion about the treatment options available with your treating doctor and then make an informed decision.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sheeba Stephen
The decision regarding surgery for disc prolapse is a clinical decision and cannot be done based on an MRI report alone. This decision will depend on a number of factors like:
- severity of symptoms
- degree of disability to the patient
- risk of further nerve damage due to the disc prolapse
- the choice of the patient
So, I would advise you to have a detailed discussion about the treatment options available with your treating doctor and then make an informed decision.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sheeba Stephen
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Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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