Question:
L4 & L5 fusion
Hi all, I am hoping someone out there can answer this question. I am faced with the decision on getting a spinal fusion at my L4 and L5 levels. I had a microdisectomy done in 2004 at L4 with really good success. I am in phenomenal shape and have been an committed runner, mma fighter, and all around athlete for most of my life. The only thing I have been able to keep up is my running program since my sciatica started again, but it hasn’t been easy. It has been done with allot of pain. I am asking if anyone out there has had this surgery and been able to return to any high impact type sports that I have mentioned above. Any input would be helpful.
Asked by jlabbe77 - 1 answer - 2 years 19 weeks ago
I have returned to activity for a time but you have to understand that eventually the disc above the fusion site will begin to go. You are moving the stress and the trauma that is supposed to be handled by the larger IVDs at L4-5 and L5-S1 up and as you move fuse that area you will have consequences down the road.
I was able to return to activity and did quite well for a time, even went into the Army and survived special forces training! That was at 17-18 years of age, though.
After a period of rehabilitation I was obviously able to reclaim my life. However, as I got older the discs above the fusion site deteriorated and their was a laddering effect. Eventually, everything from T12 to S1 was fused in 14 successive operations. Once Pandora's Box is opened, you are asking for trouble!
You may have a good result but take care with the high impact stuff for a while, start gradually and don't get caught up in the "Type A" athlete mindset, sounds like you are one too, because if you allow your enthusiasm and your need to get back into "form" too soon to take over, you will end up back on the table on short order...again and again!
Take your time and contact me whenever you want more information.
Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr.
Submitted 2 years 18 weeks ago by JohnZajaros"The Bad Back Guy"
(you can Google me)