You have now had 2 spinal surgeries with what sounds to be the complication of arachnoiditis (see website for explanation). Arachnoiditis causes the nerve roots to stick together which can cause your current symptoms (bilateral foot numbness and bowel/bladder dysfunction). You also note “compression to the dura”.
By itself, arachnoiditis does not cause compression of the dural sac. Is there some other cause of this compression such as a bone spur, a herniated disc or instability to the vertebra which is causing compression?
Fusion of the lower back vertebra is reserved for pain of the segment, instability of the segment, compression of a nerve by collapse of the segment or deformity (progressive scoliosis). Do any of those indications exist to consider fusion?
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.
