Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Chronic Pain In Lower Back Due To Herniated Discs. Suggested Fusion Due To Unstable Spine. Success Rate?
What is the success rate of lumbar fusions for L2-S1 discs? I'm a 54 year old female who has had chronic lower back pain for 20 years. I have herniated discs but two neurosurgeons say I need a fusion versus a discectomy. I was told my spine is very unstable. I have had multiple lumbar epidurals with no success. I don't want a fusion, but no one will just try trimming away the herniated disc.
Wed, 6 Nov 2013
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
The decision to do fusion versus discectomy depends on your clinical symptoms, MRI findings and the surgeon's experience.
In your case, since the spine is unstable, i would also prefer doing a fusion.
If done by experienced neurosurgeons, the success rate is more than 95%.
I hope it helps. Please get back if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Thank you for posting your query.
The decision to do fusion versus discectomy depends on your clinical symptoms, MRI findings and the surgeon's experience.
In your case, since the spine is unstable, i would also prefer doing a fusion.
If done by experienced neurosurgeons, the success rate is more than 95%.
I hope it helps. Please get back if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Discectomy
Loading Online Doctors....