History :
A 51-year-old lady came to my OPD with complaints of lower back pain and bilateral lower limb pain for the past 2 years, with worsening symptoms over the last few months. Her pain significantly impacted her daily activities, and she struggled to perform routine tasks. She was unable to walk for more than 10 minutes without needing to sit down, and standing for over 15-20 minutes caused her severe discomfort. Additionally, she experienced severe tingling and numbness in both legs. Seeking relief, she consulted with a Spine Surgery Specialist in Pune.
On examination of spine:
During the examination, the patient had difficulty walking on her heels, particularly on the left side. Bending forward or backward was extremely painful for her, indicating potential nerve compression. She was referred to one of the Best Spine Specialists in Pune for further evaluation.
Radiological Investigations :
The MRI report revealed significant degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, including:
- Large Diffuse Disc Protrusion at L4-5, causing compression of the Spinal Cord.
- Anterior Listhesis of L4 over L5.
- Focal Canal Stenosis at L4-5, resulting in nerve compression.
These findings contributed to her chronic back pain, numbness, and reduced spinal stability. She was advised to undergo surgery by the Best Orthopedic Spine Doctor in Pune to address these issues.
Operation :
The patient underwent L4-L5 laminectomy and L4-L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). This procedure was performed under general anesthesia by Dr. Sangram Rajale, a renowned Spine Pain Doctor in Pune, using high-quality implants from Jayon.
The aim of the surgery was to relieve nerve compression, stabilize the spine, and improve the patient’s quality of life. The Best Spine Surgeons in Pune utilize such procedures to treat complex spine conditions.
Condition On Discharge :
The patient had an excellent recovery post-surgery:
- She experienced complete relief from leg pain.
- By the third day after surgery, she was able to walk, and by the fourth day, she could climb stairs.
- No complications arose during her recovery, and she was discharged in a stable condition.
- She expressed immense satisfaction with her progress, especially in resuming activities like walking and stair climbing.
The patient was thrilled with the outcome of her surgery and the care provided at the Top Spine Pain Clinic in Pune, where she regained her mobility and improved her quality of life significantly.
Q And A :
A: The purpose of TLIF surgery is to remove the pressure from the spinal cord and nerves in the lower back by fusing two or more vertebrae together. This can help relieve pain and improve stability in the spine.
A: TLIF surgery is performed through a small incision in the back. The we accesses the spine through the intervertebral foramen, which is the opening between the vertebrae where the nerve roots exit. Then we removes the damaged or diseased disc and replaces it with a bone graft or synthetic material. we also inserts screws and rods to hold the vertebrae in place and promote fusion.
A: TLIF surgery is a major surgery that involves general anesthesia and a hospital stay. Some of the possible risks and complications include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, spinal fluid leak, nonunion of the bone graft, hardware failure, adjacent segment degeneration, and chronic pain. The success rate of TLIF surgery varies depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s experience.