A member asked:

How risky is for a 72 year old female have back surgery to align 2 vertrebass out of place are pinching nerves causing severe back pain and leg crams?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Depends : The surgery that you describe in general is a big surgery that sounds like it would involve a fusion and spinal instrumentation. That being said, these are surgeries that are done frequently with good results. The things that make these surgeries risky are concurrent medical issues:heart problems, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis etc. The risk is also decreased with the experience of the surgeon.

Answered 9/7/2013

4.9k views

Thank
Dr. William Newton answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Multiple factors: It depends on your overall health and the complexity of the surgery. Many spine surgeries are minimally invasive and older patients do very well with them. In your case this may involve decompressing nerves as well as stabilizing vertebrae with a fusion. The procedures are much more invasive and recovery is more prolonged.

Answered 7/6/2016

4.9k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Leg atrophy can't stand cant walk had back disk surgery 72 years old?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers