You have a condition called failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). After your first two surgeries that I assume were decompressions, you eventually had an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). You can read about both of these topics on the website.
The questions are if you have a solid fusion at L4-5 or L5-S1, if you have residual nerve compression of those level or some form of permanent nerve injury. The answers to those questions can be determined from a new CT scan, a new MRI, X-rays including flexion and extension films and a thorough physical examination.
If you want to come to the office, I cannot prescribe these studies beforehand. However, I can have all those studies obtained the day you come to the office. Please call my office and talk to one of my nurses for further information.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
