[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#30145

Your report could be indicative of typical post-operative changes or unlikely but possibly from an infection. It depends upon how “severe” the edema is on the imaging. Did you have gadolinium (dye) injected into an IV prior to the MRI? If there is any suggestion of possible infection, three blood tests should be acquired: a CBC with diff, an ESR and a CRP. If there is no evidence of infection, these can be avoided.

You continue to have significant lateral recess stenosis (“moderate to marked narrowing of bilateral lateral recesses and mild narrowing of bilateral neural foramina with impingement of bilateral traversing L5 nerve roots”). Symptoms might improve with an injection but if there is any question of infection, this needs to be ruled out prior to an injection.

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.

[Abhishar20]

#30148

Hello Dr. Corenman,

Thanks for the quick reply!

I have not suffered from Fever after the operation so not sure if this is infection, My surgeon always asked if I am having fever to rule out if the wound was draining because of infection. One more thing I want to mention is that I never feel pain in the back and dont feel pain in the wound or scar now days.

Now as you said symptoms may improve with epidural shot, would it be temporary? would I require another Microdiscectomy or any next level treatment.

Thanks a lot for the helpful guidance!

Abhishek

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#30157

Spine infection can include fever as a symptom but not always is fever a component of infection. A draining incision can be from infection, a seroma (a collection of fluid that can occur from surgery) or even a dural leak. A dural leak typically is associated with a headache that increase when you sit or stand up.

Epidural injections (without infection or dural leak), can be effective for some relief even up to six months. However, relief may only be 2 days and I’ve left my crystal ball at home today so I can’t predict the answer to your question.

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.

[Abhishar20]

#30161

Hi Dr. Corenman,

That was really helpful!

I will go for the blood tests you suggested to rule out the infection.

I actually wanted to know that if a patient ever suffers from a disc protrusion, does this condition get a permanent solution after any surgery or is it keep on reoccurring throughout life with few months break of relief from pain after every operation or treatment. I am 32 and have to be active atleast for next 10-15 years to fulfil family needs as the only earning member.

Thanks a lot again for being there!
Abhishek

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#30162

Since the disc outer wall (annulus) has a poor blood supply, the tear in the wall cannot heal. This means the hole in the wall causing the herniation is permanent. Recurrent disc herniaitons are therefore possible at a rate in the athletic population of about 10%. Will you have a recurrent herniation? Only time will tell.

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.

[Author]

Posts