A COMPARISON BETWEEN L4/L5 AND L5/S1 SINGLE LEVEL DISCETOMY SURGERY (2024)

FAQs

Is L4-L5 worse than L5-S1? ›

The L4/L5 disc is more susceptible to axial torsion and is the most common site of lumbar instability. The L5/S1 motion segment is protected from torsional strain by extensive iliolumbar ligaments but is more exposed to axial compressive forces.

A multilevel spinal fusion involves fusing two or more levels of the spine, such as the L4-L5 and L5-S1 spinal segments. Multilevel fusions considerably limit the normal motion in the lower back and place more stress across the remaining mobile joints.

Lumbar discectomies have a success rate between 60% and 90%. Several factors contribute to the likelihood that your surgery will be successful. Your surgeon will be able to give you insight into what to expect.

In an open discectomy, a skin incision is made down the middle of your back over the affected vertebrae (Fig. 2). The length of the incision depends on how many discectomies will be performed. A single-level incision is about 1 to 2 inches long. The back muscles are retracted on one side to expose the bony vertebra.

Yes, non-surgical treatments are often the first line of management for an L5-S1 disc bulge. These can include physical therapy, pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, L5-S1 Transforaminal Epidural Injection, Inerlaminar Epidural and Caudal epidural injections and lifestyle modifications.

You may need four to six weeks to return to basic activities around the house after the procedure, and one to two months to return to work.

Spinal fusion

This process connects two or more vertebrae to stop them moving against each other. Sometimes, surgery will involve a bone graft. This is when bone is taken from the hip and put into the spine to help the vertebrae fuse together. Bone grafts may cause significant and even chronic pain following surgery.

You probably should not perform powerlifting exercises after spinal fusion or any activity that puts extreme stresses on the spine. You may be restricted from certain physical labor jobs such as heavy lifting, repetitive lifting, twisting, or lower back bending.

What Is the Number of Years a Discectomy Typically Lasts? For some patients, results from a discectomy or a less invasive microdiscectomy last indefinitely. Others may experience renewed discomfort several months or even years after surgery, which may be a sign of reherniation of the same spinal disc.

What are the disadvantages of lumbar discectomy? ›

Diskectomy is considered safe. But as with any surgery, diskectomy carries a risk of complications. Potential complications include: Bleeding.

In fact, 7-18 percent² of discectomy patients experience recurrent disc herniation. If you're considering a discectomy to reduce your pain and get back your daily life, the risk of reherniation and repeat surgery is certainly a concern—fortunately, there are ways to minimize the likelihood of recurrence.

Results: Analysis of data obtained from 13,654 patient records revealed a rate of additional lumbar surgeries after single-level discectomy of 3.95% (539/13654) within 3 months and 12.2% (766/6274) within 4 years of the index procedure. Lumbar spinal fusion was performed on 5.9% (370/6274) of patients within 4 years.

A skilled surgeon uses specialized instruments and other tools to carefully remove the part of the disc irritating the nerve in a way that preserves spinal stability. If the disc or adjacent discs are severely damaged, fusion may end up being necessary.

Disc problems are among today's most common back problems. However, they can also prove to be some of the most severe and painful. L4-L5 disc problems are especially common. They can lead to additional, severe symptoms that can disrupt your daily life and cause you to run for help.

The most common cause of sciatica is a disc herniation in the lumbar spine. The most common levels in the spine where disc herniations occur, is between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae (L4-5) or between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum (L5-S1). Herniations occur less often at higher levels in the lumbar spine.

DISC DEGENRATIVE DISEASE L4-L5 SYMPTOMS

Some of the most common degenerative disc disease L4-L5 symptoms include: Pain that worsens with specific movements such as bending or twisting. Periods of severe pain that come and go. Pain that radiates to the nearest limb.

It's important to understand that surgery may only be necessary if your pain is really severe, or you have significant disc degeneration, and you experience constant, radiating pain with disturbances in your bladder or bowel movement.