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.