Myrtle Beach, SC
A 51-year-old female asked:
With hypertropic facet sclerosis, l4-5, l5-s1, should i look to ortho or neuro surgeon to fix? other speciality?tired of injections, don't want opiates
3 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stan Leeanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 25 years experience
Either: Neuro/ortho spine surgeons can both treat facet arthritis surgically. However, great caution should be taken, as methods to reliably identify patients who will do well with surgery for facet arthritis has not been established by scientific evidence. Outcomes for facet pain surgery are difficult to predict. Some patients are made better, while others can end up worse.
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Dr. Stan Lee commented
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 25 years experience
Provided original answer
Though lower risk than surgery, the outcomes of injections and other pain management procedures are also difficult to predict. .
Feb 23, 2013
Dr. David Dechellisanswered
Pain Management 15 years experience
Rhizotomy may help: Lumbar zygopophyseal joint arthropathy "may" cause "facet " pain. It can diagnosed with injections, however the best treatment option is typically a medial branch rhizotomy which is performed by intervetional pain medicine physicians. See a board certified pain medicine physician for discussion on this low risk procedure. Pain mayimprove for 12-18 months.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jonathan Hyde commented
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 31 years experience
If injections did not work, then you should be seen by an ortho or neuro surgeon specializing in spine care.
Feb 23, 2013
Dr. Qamar Khananswered
Pain Management 19 years experience
Consider: Stem Cell Therapy or Platelet procedures to help with healing and strengthen ligaments. While it will not cure facet disease it can help decrease pain and strengthen ligaments in the surrounding muscles and facet joints. Check out Regenexx.Com for more info.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 16, 2017
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