Mr. Ansari

December 23, 2024 By Dr. Sangram Rajale In Sciatica, Lumbar Spine, Microdics

Managing Severe Radicular Pain with L5-S1 Microdiscectomy: A Case Study

Patient Overview

A 44-year-old gentleman consulted with complaints of persistent pain radiating down his left lower limb for 2–3 months. This radicular pain was particularly bothersome during movements like turning in bed. He also reported:

  1. Tingling sensations in the left lower limb.
  2. Difficulty standing or walking for more than 5 minutes (neurogenic claudication).
  3. Sleep disturbances due to the pain.

Clinical Examination :

A thorough spine assessment revealed:

  1. Walking : A forward bent posture with a “hand-to-knee” walking pattern was noted.
  2. Lumbar Spine Range of Motion:Both extension and flexion were painful.
  3. Heel and toe walking could not be assessed due to the severity of the pain.

Imaging Insights

MRI of the dorsal-lumbar spine showed:

  1. L5-S1 disc desiccation with a diffuse annular bulge and a left paracentral disc protrusion.
  2. Spinal canal narrowing, moderate compression of bilateral lateral recesses, and adjacent neural foraminal compromise.
  3. Compression of the traversing nerve roots, more prominent on the left side.

 

Treatment Plan

Based on the clinical and radiological findings, the patient underwent L5-S1 Microdiscectomy on 24/05/2024. This minimally invasive procedure was performed under general anesthesia by Dr. Sangram Rajale

Postoperative Recovery

The patient had an excellent postoperative course and was discharged in stable condition with the following outcomes:

  1. A healthy, dry suture line with no signs of infection.
  2. No episodes of fever or chills.
  3. Full weight-bearing ambulation and stair climbing by the second postoperative day

This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention in addressing debilitating conditions like radicular pain and neurogenic claudication. The minimally invasive approach ensured a swift recovery, enabling the patient to return to daily activities with minimal downtime.

If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, consult an experienced spine specialist to explore effective treatment options.