Patrick O.
Diagnosis: Retrolisthesis & Lumbar stenosis
This 43 year old police officer underwent a L4-5 microdecompression in July 2017 for treatment of back pain and left leg pain by another physician. Unfortunately, three months after the procedure, he started having recurrence of left-sided back and leg pain. The pain radiated down to the calf and bottom of the left foot. Then, recently, he started having similar pain in his right leg. X-rays of his lumbar spine demonstrated retrolisthesis (slipping of the spine backwards) at L4-5. MRI of the lumbar spine demonstrated disc collapse, stenosis, and facet arthropathy at L4-5.
Given the amount of degeneration of the disc and facet arthropathy at L4-5 and given his history of a prior decompression at that same level, Dr. Anand determined that he would be a good candidate for a minimally invasive decompression and stabilization. He underwent a L4-5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with posterior instrumentation in November 2019. Within two weeks of surgery, he reported relief of his preoperative back pain and leg pain. He denied taking any pain medications at that time. He continues to do well and is returning to his active lifestyle.
