For you to understand lumbar spine surgery, you first have to know the anatomy of the spine. Your spine consists of multiple components such as nerve roots, facet joints, intervertebral discs, spinal muscles, vertebral bones, and others. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae which are named L1 to L5. When these vertebrae become degenerated, you can suffer from lower back pain. Revision lumbar spine surgery is done to correct the spinal conditions that arose after the first lumbar surgery. Book an appointment with a specialist for revision lumbar surgery in West Islip and management of lower back pain.
How to diagnosis the damaged or degenerated lumbar spine vertebrae
There are several ways your doctor may diagnose the affected lumbar vertebrae before conducting revision lumbar spine surgery. These ways include laboratory tests, physical examinations, and imaging. According to research, the best way of diagnosing bone-related issues is through imaging. The most used imaging techniques include;
- Study of sagittal balance using radiological assessment. This imaging technique is done to assess the segmental, global sagittal, and regional balance. The most used radiology method is a full-length lateral radiograph that measures the sacrum at the L5-S1 space. If some unusual spinal impressions are seen, your doctor may suggest a second lumbar surgery.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. There are many reasons your spine can cause lower back pain even after the first surgery. According to research, your doctor could have spotted degenerative discs only living behind diseases, nerves, and tissues. For your doctor to have a complete picture of spinal bones, nerves, and tissues, magnetic resonance imaging is done. This technique uses magnetic fields and computer technology to produce a full detailed picture of the affected area. Through the image, your doctor can see the affected spinal bones, including the diseased or worn-out nerves. It becomes easy for you to have a revision lumbar spinal surgery when assessed using MRI.
- CT myelography. CT myelography is done on patients who are not favored by magnetic resonance imaging. Also, patients having metal artifacts and serious scoliosis due to deformity can have CT myelography.
After the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend revision lumbar surgery immediately or after a few days. Below are some pre-operative instructions you should follow:
Things to do before undergoing revision lumbar surgery
They include;
- Eat a balanced diet 6 hours before the surgery. A balanced diet will help you to remain satisfied even after surgery.
- Take regular exercises. Regular exercises keep your body flexible and energetic. This ensures that you can overcome the medication used during the surgery.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking. Alcohol can lead to increased bleeding. Excessive bleeding may hinder the surgical process.
- Keep off medications such as aspirins and multivitamins. These medications can delay healing.
It is essential to have revision lumbar surgery if the initial surgical treatment did not help. Dr. George Kakoulides, MD, is the best you can consult for the surgery. He is located in West Islip, New York.
