Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Robert Bushovisky* is not your typical person.  He has suffered the effects of severe back since 1980 and had required 3 lumbar spine surgeries prior to the age of 38.  Due to this and persistent back pain he was required to go on disability.   In the spring of 2002 things actually began to get worst.  Along with his back pain he began to complain of severe leg pain.  He was unable to do even the simplest of tasks.  “I couldn’t walk for more than a few feet without having such pain that I had to stop”, stated Mr. Bushovisky.

Finally, he couldn’t take the pain anymore, despite high doses of pain medications, and was then referred to Dr. El Kadi.  He was evaluated and found to have weakness of his right lower leg and foot.  MRI was done which showed a large recurrent herniated at the L4-5 disc space along with old scar tissue.  “I was ready for anything to help me at that point,” stated Mr. Bushovisky, “I was willing to except back pain but this leg pain was unbearable.”

On June 21, 2002, he had a lumbar microdiscectomy and scar removal at the L4-5 disc space and the previously crushed L5 nerve-root was freed.  “I woke up without that severe right leg pain,” stated Mr. Bushovisky, “I had some incisional pain but that improved over the next week or so.”  He was discharged home the day after his surgery and throughout the summer he has continued to improve.  “I think Dr. El Kadi did a super job, and I can walk as much as I want without pain.  Most people would have dismissed me and told me to live with the pain.  I am very grateful to Dr. El Kadi and his staff,” told Mr. Bushovisky.

Mr. Bushovisky’s results are usual of this operation. Each patient’s recovery differs and depends on many factors. Age, sex, type and amount of disability and length of symptoms all play a role in the recovery process. Mr. Bushovisky’s lifelong history of athletics and conditioning certainly added to his rapid recovery. Our goal in all cases is to allow the patient to resume all the activities they did prior to your injury.

*Mr. Bushovisky has signed a released to permit the release of this personal information. We will not disclose any information unless the parties involved agree in writing. Mr. Bushovisky chose to permit this information because of his gratitude to Dr. El Kadi and his staff.

Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 14, 2001

Patient Perspective: Matthew Lucas, age 19, had lumbar microdiscectomy in April and November 2001 by Dr. Joseph Maroon.

History:

Matt complained that the pain and weakness in his back and left leg was so bad that “I could barely walk.” That was in March of 2001 and he was just beginning Spring practice as a First baseman and Pitcher for Trinity High School in Washington, PA. Matt relates that several professional baseball teams were scouting him at the time.

“I knew I needed surgery and I came to Dr. Maroon”, Matt said. He had a Lumbar microdiscectomy at the L3-4 level by Dr. Maroon at Presbyterian University Hospital on April 5, 2001. He states that he had immediate relief and was up walking the halls the night after surgery.

Matt did very well and completed physical therapy. He resumed playing baseball in July and played through early October 2001. But, in late October he developed pain once again. “I had severe pain in my right leg which we thought was a hamstring pull”, states Matt, “but the pain worsened and we came to see Dr. Maroon. “An MRI showed a large, right L5-S1 herniated disc that was severely compressing the nerve to the back of his right leg and foot. Surgery was scheduled at Sewickley Valley Hospital. Matt had just agreed to sign a scholarship agreement to play baseball for Xavier University, a Division I school in Cincinnati and he was very worried. “I didn’t know if I would lose my scholarship and perhaps a shot a t the Pros”, he said.

On November 7, 2002 he had a microdiscectomy at the L5-S1 level. Again the surgery was a success. “I went home the next day and I was back on the baseball field three months later”, said Matt. “I will be playing first base and pitcher for Xavier this fall and I believe I will be able to make it to the Pros. ”

Discussion:

Matt’s presentation of acute leg pain and weakness from a herniated disc is not uncommon.  Because nerves are like electrical wires that send signals to different parts of the body if the signal is blocked at the level of the spine (from a herniated disc pressing on a nerve) then the normal function of that part of the body is disrupted.  And in Matt’s case first the left leg and then with the second herniated disc the right leg was affected.  The microdiscectomy procedure is designed to relieve the pressure off the nerves and allow for normal electrical signals to return. Matt’s condition and recovery may not be the same for all patients but his improvement and successful reentry back into competitive sports demonstrates the fact that this surgery is intended to be an enabling surgery and not disabling and that sports after surgery is not restricted in most patients.

Please Note: Matt Lucas has given his signed permission to permit the release of this personal information.  We will not disclose any information unless the parties involves agree in writing.  Mr. Lucas chose to permit this information because of his gratitude to Dr. Maroon and his staff.