New member, interested in clarifying need for and choice of spinal surgeries

[vidyaguy]

Hi - Severe scoliosis (lumbar and thoracic). Not much of a problem years ago, when I was heavily into athletics, because musculature was capable of maintaining adequate alignment, and stenosis was not severe (except for right upper back numbness, probably T9/T10). A couple of years ago, began to have severe muscle spasms in the right inner thigh (sufficient to result in a haematoma, on one occasion). Subsequent physical therapy was very effective, for a while.

Had a complete spinal workup 18 months ago & consulted a well-regarded back surgeon specializing in severe scoliosis, who does XLIF, and who states that he has done many multi-level fusions with excellent outcomes. He wants to do both lumbar and thoracic, in at least two separate surgeries spaced about 6 months apart. I placed that option on the back burner.

Lately, am suffering lower leg spasms, sufficient to interfere with my sleep (sleeping on right side results in spasms of left calf; sleeping on left side results in right tibularis spasms). So, it may become necessary to seriously entertain the surgery sooner vice later or never). I'm therefore very much interested in good information re multi-level XLIF outcomes. I can find almost nothing quantitative on the web. Lots of descriptive and anecdotal, but nothing that I can really use to buttress a decision.

I'd appreciate anything quantitative, as well as first-person experience. I recognize that perhaps I am being too narrow in my request; I guess any good information on multilevel XLIF outcomes would be valuable.

Sorry to be so long-winded in my introduction, but perhaps it might be helpful.

[Justin]

Hi vidyaguy,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm glad you've found us, but I'm sorry that you have been dealing with spine issues. In terms of XLIF, I do believe we have a couple of Spine Patients that have had multilevel procedures. You might want to do a search in the upper-righthand corner of the Forum. Searching "XLIF" or "extreme lateral interbody fusion" should pull up a lot of relevant threads and then you can click on SPS Member names to contact them directly (via private message or email).

Please let me know if you need any help. We're here to support you and I do hope we can help.

Be well.