Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Can't My Dad Move His Ankles and Toes?
Inability to move the ankle and toes following spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: My father underwent minimally invasive surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis at levels L3, L4, and L5 on June 13, where screws were placed. However, since the surgery, he has been unable to move his legs,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The symptoms may suggest involvement of the L4 and L5 nerve roots, resembling a temporary malfunction, possibly due to nerve edema or adaptation issues to a new environment. 2. It is recommended to consult with the original surgeon regarding the need for further examina...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Can't My Dad Move His Ankles and Toes?
Post-Spinal Surgery Concerns: Recovery, Complications, and Future Work
Post-operative issues related to spinal surgery (sequelae, functional roles, uncertain recovery status) Hello Doctor, I suffered a burst fracture of the lumbar spine at L3-L4 at the end of June. Due to the loosening of the screw at L4, I need to return to the hospital for surgery...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, and squatting for extended durations can harm the lumbar spine and increase your risk of recurrence. It is advisable to adjust the nature of your work. 2. You will not become incapacitated. After the fusion of the spine,...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Concerns: Recovery, Complications, and Future Work
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Unilateral Ankle Edema and Numbness
Postoperative edema below the ankle in one leg after spinal surgery? My father developed an abscess between the 5th and 7th vertebrae that was compressing the nerves during the Lunar New Year. He underwent surgery and drainage of the abscess, and after being discharged, he has be...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: There are several possible speculations: 1. The original spinal nerves may have been damaged prior to surgery, resulting in incomplete recovery postoperatively. 2. There may be local peripheral nerve or vascular lesions in the foot's fascia. 3. There could be poor blo...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Unilateral Ankle Edema and Numbness
Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Numbness and Mobility Issues
Postoperative foot numbness and inability to walk after minimally invasive spinal surgery? Hello doctor, my family member underwent minimally invasive surgery on the lumbar spine from the third to the fifth vertebrae over a month ago, and they are experiencing complete paralysis ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The situation of your family sounds unfortunate. The original surgeon will have the best understanding of the preoperative and intraoperative conditions. However, it is essential to patiently cooperate with rehabilitation. Wishing for a speedy recovery from Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Numbness and Mobility Issues
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Postoperative pain after spinal surgery I have rheumatoid arthritis and after undergoing L4-L5 spinal surgery last July, I still experience soreness, numbness, pain, stiffness, tightness, and weakness from my right hip to my calf, and I still need a walker. Is this a phenomenon o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your condition of neural adhesion is just one possible cause. There may be other reasons as well. I recommend that you bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRI for an in-person consultation. If it is not convenient for you to come to Changhua Hospital, pl...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Stiffness, Weakness, and Tightness
Post-spinal surgery, experiencing stiffness and weakness in the legs, along with muscle tightness? Hello Dr. Lai! I have rheumatoid arthritis and underwent L4-L5 spinal surgery (with Romeo clamps and health insurance screws) in June 2022 due to pain from slippage. I had another s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: What you mentioned is all possible, and the treatment options can be considered. However, the key recommendation is to have your doctor arrange for a follow-up MRI for a detailed evaluation, and then plan the subsequent treatment strategy. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, D...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Stiffness, Weakness, and Tightness
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative pain in the right leg after spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: I am consulting on behalf of my mother. She underwent surgery on July 26 for spondylolisthesis at levels L2, L3, and L4. Before the surgery, she experienced significant pain in her left leg and lower back, w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have right-sided sciatica. Please consult with your original surgeon, as it may be due to inflammation combined with blood or blood clots causing irritation, or it could be due to other reasons. If medication treatment is ineffective and X-ray results are normal, pleas...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Should You Remove Screws After One Year?
Postoperative pain and issues related to the removal of spinal screws? I would like to ask you, I underwent lumbar fusion surgery at L4, L5, and S1 last year, where two support devices and six screws were implanted. After the surgery, I have been experiencing persistent soreness ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If it has been 6 months post-surgery and you are still experiencing <postoperative soreness in the lower back>, it may indicate poor fusion or other segmental pathology. 2. I recommend that you first consult with your original surgeon; if there is no improvement, ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Should You Remove Screws After One Year?
Post-Spinal Surgery: Persistent Pain and Numbness in Right Knee
After spinal surgery, there is pain and numbness in the right knee? My father underwent surgery on his spine from vertebrae 1 to 5 in mid-May due to nerve compression caused by bone spurs, and the doctor informed us that there was already nerve damage. If surgery was not performe...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned: "The symptoms of soreness and numbness in the right knee have not improved, extending to sharp pain in the thigh muscles." It is advisable to discuss with your original surgeon whether further examination is necessary. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Persistent Pain and Numbness in Right Knee
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Post-spinal surgery, there may be difficulties with bowel and bladder function? In June 2017, I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor diagnosed me with a herniated disc at the L4 and L5 levels, recommending surgery. The procedure involved removing the damaged di...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Based on what you described: What is my current condition? I would like to understand my situation. Can I know which nerve is damaged? Is there a possibility of recovery? I plan to go to the hospital for further examination, but which department should I start with? Response: 1. ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Post-Spinal Surgery Complications: Understanding Cardiac Arrest and Coma
Two days after spinal surgery, the patient experienced cardiac arrest and became comatose? I have a relative who sustained a spinal cord injury due to a crush injury on August 17. On August 22, he underwent surgery to replace an artificial bone joint and was transferred to a gene...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to incomplete information, the question you asked may not receive the assistance you need. Rapid heartbeat leading to cessation may also be caused by cardiac issues. Therefore, we may not be able to provide the assistance you require.[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Complications: Understanding Cardiac Arrest and Coma
Post-Spinal Surgery: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Discomfort and Mobility Issues
Post-spinal surgery 1. Two years ago, I underwent spinal surgery (L5-S1). Initially, I was unable to get out of bed, but after receiving spinal injections, I was able to get up. 2. I can stand for 1-20 minutes, but I cannot sit for more than 3 minutes unless I support myself with...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
I sincerely apologize, but due to the lack of clarity regarding your condition prior to surgery, the imaging data from the procedure, as well as the surgical method and location, I am unable to provide specific advice. (There are 5/6 cervical vertebrae, but none in the lumbar reg...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Discomfort and Mobility Issues