Testimonial

Chronic Back Pain - Advanced Canal Stenosis

Mr AP. retired pharmacist has suffered a long history of chronic back pain subsequent to falling from a roof and breaking his right leg at the age of 13. This injury resulted in his right leg developing poorly with a residual shortened right leg requiring shoe elevation.

All treatment options have been thoroughly reviewed. Mr AP was finally advised that surgical fusion was indicated because of the advanced canal stenosis which is directly compressing his spinal cord and exiting nerves at this level. He was correctly advised that spinal fusion would not 'cure' his back pain; and in fact he may suffer additional pain due to the extensive procedure. 

Fusion was advised because of the terribly unstable nature of his condition. He was informed that if he should suffer an injury or fall to his lower back, the impact and the fact of the unstable compression of his spinal cord could result in him becoming a paraplegic.

All of these potential risks and consideration were thoroughly reviewed prior to commencing rehabilitation with SRG including Hyperbaric Medicine.

The objective of treatment with this patients and with every complex degenerative condition is to - reduce pain and promote stabilisation of the condition. Minimizing and slowing further degenerative collapsing effects is considered to be a good outcome. Reconstructive changes are generally NOT considered a potential outcome in these advanced condition however from the additional MRI taken in December 2002 it is obvious that the central and lateral recess canals have improved dramatically with evidence of increased space now available to his spinal cord and exiting L5 nerve roots. In addition the degenerative facet joint cyst extending from the right facet joint appears resolved.

Overall, this has been an excellent outcome for this patient with complex spinal degeneration. 

 - Dr Hooper