h/o severe back pain radiating to knee,,unable to walk properly...put him on high dose of steroid and pain killer three time a day..MRI shows diffuse posterior bulge with small left paracentral protursion of l4 l5 disc compressing thecal sac and left budding nerve root .. diffuse posterior bulge of l1-l2 & l2-l3 disc intending thecal sac diffuse posterior bulge of l5 -s1 disc effacing anterior epidural fat,,,plz explain daes such patient need surgery?
Hello, Your MRI and history is consistent with lumbosacral spondylosis with disc prolapse at multiple level, significant being the L4-L5 level with L) nerve root involvement. Decision to go for surgery depends on extent of weakness in L) lower limb. Just wait for the improvement with treatment planned presently. Avoid lifting weight and flexion of spine. Take absolute bed rest for next 2 weeks. Use lumbosacral belt for minimal daily activity. Take care