[LynnC]

#7649

Hello Dr. Corenman,

I was wondering if you could shed light on this situation. My sister had a Laminectomy and Spinal Fusion surgery back in February 2012, and is walking worse than ever before. She does not have pain, but is unable to walk more than 5 feet on her own. When she does walk, it’s in a “straddle position.”

She recently had a lumbar MRI (of the surgical site), brain MRI, and nerve conduction studies of her arm. All tests came out fine, and no systemic problems were found. She also had conduction studies (I believe, of her legs)several weeks ago that were “inconclusive.” The neurologist says there is definitely something wrong. The surgeon whom they first saw regarding the surgey (only to later find out that he didn’t perform it) said he “does not give consultations on spinal fusions.”

What do you recommend? The family is very concerned that her walking will only get worse. Thanks so much for your consideration and any assistance.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#7659

You would have to be much more specific as to your sister’s plight. See the section under “Conditions”, “How to describe symptoms” to give a better idea of what is going on. Add to that the reason you sister had surgery in the first place, how the surgery went and what the other specialists have commented on.

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.

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