What does "status post decompressive laminectomy

Hello

Decompressive laminectomy is the most common type of surgery done to treat spinal stenosis.This surgery is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots .Post Decompressive Laminectomy changes mean that patient has had this surgery .

It is normal to have intervertebral disc spaces at L5 -S1.

Check this link

http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/detail/surgical/aa122359/detail.htm

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I have had the spinal fusion and hardware removed. Cages are still in back but did not show up on MRI. I am 7 weeks post op from hardware removal. MRI states:
-residual screw holes noted in bilateral pedicles of L4 through S1.
-some enhancing granulation tissue at L5-S1
-two intervertebral disc spaces noted in L5-S1

So, what would explain continued lower back and leg pain - am I at a dead end then or could it be something MRI wouldn't show - could it be cages???????

Could you please give me some more history. When did you have your sugery (surgeries?) What was the problem that you were having initially? Why did you have this most recent surgery. What problems do you have now.

You said that the cages didn't show. Did someone specifically say that the cages WEREN'T present, or just that they were not mentioned on the report?

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Thank you for asking:
My spinal fusion was in 4/04 due to leg pain, feeling of instability, constant pain limiting daily life, etc. I believe it was degenerative discs over a period of time. It was a 2 level fusion I believe.
In the past year pain has re-occured and leg pain increased. First MRI since surgery was inconclusive since there was too much hardware and dr. couldn't see anything. So, on 8/23/06 Dr. removed pedicle screws, nuts and bolts and left cages in. Bilateral leg pain continues post surgery so dr. repeated MRI to see what it could be. Also have significant post-op pain and a feeling of "snapping" in back if leaning over, partialy bending, etc. (? scar tissue). MRI was done and cages were not mentioned in report - there is no herniation - there is minimal bulging at L2-L5 but no narrowing...minimal narrowing at L3-4 w/o encroachment. So, I am at a loss as to what could be causing the leg pain and want to go to Dr. w/o feeling like it is a lost cause - leg pain is down both backs of legs from lower back area into feet - I know it can't be just in my mind!!! Thanks again - I hope you can give me some advise ....

I suspect it was an oversight that the cages were not mentioned.

It is good to know that there is not any herniation noted on the scan.

The narrowing may be causing some irritation to one or more of the nerve roots.

A few considerations: Trying epidural steroid shots may be helpful. Also, a medication like Lyrica may be helpful.

I would suggest that you get involved with a comprehensive pain management program


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Would or should cages cause any pain symptoms like I have described....is there any other test that should/could be done to see why the leg pain continues or am I at a dead end?

Tx.

A nerve conduction study if not done, would show if there is a problem (compression or neuropathy) with the nerve.


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