History :
A 42-year-old gentleman presented with complaints of lower back pain and right lower limb radicular pain, commonly known as sciatica, for the past 4 months. The pain was progressively worsening day by day. He experienced difficulty rising from a sitting position, turning in bed, and noticed that his low back and leg pain would intensify during coughing and sneezing. These symptoms are indicative of nerve root compression, possibly caused by a prolapsed intervertebral disc. The severity of his symptoms led to job loss, and the discomfort made it challenging for him to sleep peacefully. Additionally, he was recently diagnosed with hypertension and sought treatment from the Best Spine Specialist in Pune for his worsening condition.
EXAMINATION OF HIS SPINE :
The patient was observed walking with significant pain, adopting a posture where he leaned to one side while walking. However, his ability to perform heel-toe walking was normal, indicating intact balance and coordination in his lower limbs. During the examination, he reported severe pain when bending forward or backward, suggesting that movements involving flexion or extension of the spine aggravated his symptoms. The patient was then referred to a Spine Surgery Specialist in Pune for further evaluation and surgical intervention.
Opreations :
On March 2, 2023, the patient underwent a surgical procedure known as L4-L5 microdiscectomy. This procedure, performed by a Spine Specialist Doctor in Pune, is designed to address issues related to the intervertebral disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. During the microdiscectomy, a small portion of the herniated or protruding disc material pressing on the spinal nerves was removed to alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with nerve compression. This minimally invasive surgery, performed under general anesthesia, aimed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve roots, improve mobility, and reduce pain in the lower back and legs.
OPERATING SURGEON:
Dr. Sangram Rajale, regarded as one of the Best Orthopedic Spine Doctors in Pune.
Condition On Discharge :
The patient’s postoperative progress was positive:
- Initially, the patient was stable and comfortable after the surgery.
- He was able to walk with full weight-bearing without needing any external support.
- Immediately after the surgery, he experienced significant pain relief, around 80% improvement.
- After approximately 2 months, the patient became completely pain-free and has since regained full functionality.
- Upon discharge, the patient was prescribed painkillers to manage operation-related pain. These were to be taken for 10 days.
- The patient was scheduled for suture removal on the 15th day post-surgery.