Can a person have 3 operations on the same disk?

Question

I Had surgery on my 2nd herniated disk on the same disk just 2 months ago. I just found out I have ANOTHER herniated disk on the SAME disk, pressing the nerve roots...AGAIN.
Anybody been through this? I got my results myself and today from my family doc. But he just said "get ready for surgery"..lol
Can they do another laminectomy when my disk is allready 10x smaller than it should be? Or would the surgeon maybe have whatever a fusion is?

Answer 1

Sure, but it's not very sought after. You can only have two laminectomies at one level, however, since we only have two lamina on each vertebrae. Rather than having a laminectomy, you might be looking at having a microdisectomy where they remove small pieces of "broken off" disc (if this hasn't been done already) or a fusion. Whether you are having a laminectomy, a microdiscectomy, a fusion, a resection, a foraemenotomy, these are all surgical procedures...but I wouldn't rely on your family doctor to make the decision about this...you really need to talk to the surgeon. Most likely, a fusion will be suggested in order to preserve the space where the disc is and prevent further collapse.

Answer 2

HI. From what I read (source) fusion is often required for those geting a stenosis operation.

However this may not be the case with you. 3 operations is imaginable. Because of the forces on the disc maybe more of the nucleus pulposus has come out.

And how much of the disc you need for it to function without requiring fusion is something you may want to ask your doctor. (I am also interested in the answer!)

http://www.josephmaroon.com/lami.htm

Answer 3

I got a ruptured disc from an auto accident. It was L5-S1. I had surgery on it march 2001. 6 weeks later I coughed real hard, it re-ruptured. Had 2nd surgery on it May 2001. I t gradually ruptured again. Had the 3rd surgery with rods, pins, and fusion in Sept 2003. Hopes this helps to answer your question.