Case Study: Microdiscectomy (Right) L4-L5 in a 58-year-old Female

The patient is in our office, referred by her primary care physician with complaints of right lower back and right leg pain along the front of the knee, leg, and dorsum of the foot for the last 3 months. The patient remembers of an injury when she was moving stuff from the attic at home.

The pain is extremely severe in intensity (9/10 on a scale of 0 to10). The patient describes the pain as sharp, stabbing, burning. The pain is constant and does not disturb sleep. The pain is associated with tingling, numbness, radiating pain, limping. The patient’s torso is bent to left due to pain and he walks with a discomfort.Ā 

The pain is not associated with swelling, bruising, bowel or bladder abnormality, hand function difficulty. The patient’s symptoms had worsened over time. Activities such as walking, standing, lifting, exercise, twisting, lying in bed, bending, squatting, kneeling, stairs, sitting make the symptoms worse. Rest, heat, ice, lying down, bending forwards makes the symptoms better.

He has tried medications and rest along with therapy treatment as per his PCP but has had no relief. The patient is currently working as an assistant in a dental office. The constant pain has affected her daily activities and she is currently out of work secondary to pain. The patient does not smoke, is on no medications, and has no allergies.

On general physical examination, the patient is calm, conscious, cooperative, and well oriented to time place and person. On examination of the lumbar spine, the patient is tender to palpation over the paraspinal musculature. There is no tenderness over the spinous processes and there is no crepitus with ranging.Ā 

The range of motion of the lumbar spine was limited due to discomfort. An obvious sciatic list to the left side is present. There is a positive straight leg raise test on the right at 30 degrees and contralateral of the left at 40 degrees. There is no tenderness to palpation over the trochanteric bursa and hip.Ā 

There is no soft tissue swelling and ecchymosis. The patient has a full range of motion of the hips. The hips are stable on the examination. There are no erythema, warmth, or skin lesions present.

Range of motion:

Flexion (Normal – 60 degrees) – 40

Extension (Normal – 45 degrees) – 30

Lateral Flexion Right (Normal – 45 degrees) – 30

Lateral Flexion Left (Normal – 45 degrees) – 30

X-ray of the LS spine suggested degenerative changes and moderate dextroscoliosis.

LS Spine X-ray in AP and Lateral views LS Spine X-ray in AP and Lateral views 2

LS Spine X-ray in AP and Lateral views.

MRI of the LS spine suggested a posterior extruded disc herniation at the L4-L5 level causing severe spinal canal stenosis and compression of descending L5 nerve roots. Right paramedian posterior disc herniation L4-L5 level causing mild spinal canal stenosis and degenerative changes.

MRI of LS spine in sagittal and axial sections MRI of LS spine in sagittal and axial sections 2

MRI of LS spine in sagittal and axial sections.

Her pain and weakness had been worsening, so she presented to the hospital where she was admitted for the same. Her Imaging studies were reviewed and discussed with the patient at length.Ā 

We discussed treatment options and the patient opted for surgical management. Risks and complications Including Infection, bleedIng, Injury to nerves and vessels, aggravation of symptoms, aggravation of pain, future instability, and need for future surgery, back pain, rehabilitation among others. The patient understood and signed the informed consent.

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: Extruded disc L4-5 right side with radiculopathy and weakness of right lower extremity.

POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: Extruded disc L4-5 right side with radiculopathy and weakness of right lower extremity.

OPERATION: Microdiscectomy, right L4-5.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: An incision was given in the midline over L4-5. Right-sided dissection was performed on the inferior lamina of L4 and superior lamina of L5 and the spinous process. The levels were again confirmed under C-arm and the picture was saved.Ā 

The microscope was brought in. The laminotomy of L4 was performed under a microscope using an electric matchstick burr. The ligamentum flavum was raised. The flavum was excised and foraminotomy was performed. The dural sac and the nerve root were retracted medially.

Bipolar cautery was used to achieve hemostasis. The disc space was reached at the L4-5 level and found to be having a deficiency in the posterior longitudinal ligament.

The extruded fragment was found just anterior to the thecal sac. The fragment was removed. Discectomy was performed and washed thoroughly. Satisfactory decompression as well as foraminotomy was achieved. Visipaque dye was used to confirm the level as well as decompression.Ā Ā 

Final pictures were again saved.Ā  The dye was washed off. Hemostasis was finally achieved and Surgiflo mixed with 40 mg of Depo-Medrol was instilled. One gram of vancomycin was also instilled in the wound.

The wound was closed In layers. The patient was turned supine In the bed and extubated and moved to the recovery unit In stable condition.

POSTOPERATIVE EXAMINATION: The patient was neurologically intact. His pain was decreased in his right lower extremity. He was complaining of mild pain in his back

Disclaimer – Patient’s name, age, sex, dates, events have been changed or modified to protect patient privacy.

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I had such a wonderful experience with Complete Orthopedics in Stony Brook. Not only did Dr. Kuo fix my broken wrist with such kindness and care, but the office staff, including Billing, Reception and the X-Ray Technician, was always so helpful, going out of their way to ensure that each patient felt welcome, answering any questions with a smile, and ensuring any issues with insurance/billing were handled with the utmost professionalism. I highly recommend their practice!
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I'm very happy St. Catherine's sent me to this office for treatment after I broke my collar bone! Unfortunately the break was too severe to repair on its own and I had to have it rebuilt a week after the injury. Dr. Vaksha did a great job fixing it. I'm three months out, and I have full use of the arm and shoulder. The whole office staff is very professional, accommodating, and welcoming. I hope to not need orthopedic services again, but Dr. Vaksha will be my number one choice if I or anyone in family suffers such am injury.
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20:20 19 Feb 23
Dr Vaksha, is a great doctor very professional knows what he talking about. Treat patient with upmost respect. Thank You
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Dr. Karkare is an amazing doctor, very caring and attentive, the girl at the front desk is very kind and helpful. .elizabeth .thank you so much .
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Been going to this place before my accident and after I had my knee surgery. So happy how I been treated and how well I am getting. Thank you all and specially Dr. VAKSHA for everything and getting back on track.
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21:28 23 May 22
Dr Vaksha and Dr karkare are 2 of the best orthopedic doctors around my wife Susan had a very serious broken ankle in March of 2019 she didn't think she was going to walk again Dr vaksha did an excellent surgery on her ankle he said it was his toughest he ever did he put a lot of hardware in her ankle and told her she would be alright she made remarkable recovery thanks to his surgery as of now she regained 100 percent use of her ankle she would highly recommend him to anyone. My own experience with Dr karkare has been wonderful he takes his time with you listens to what you have to say and prescribes various treatments and is very caring I would highly recommend him to anyone I would give both doctors a 10 plus rating we are very happy with them the best.
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Scheduling my appointment was quick and easy. The staff was super friendly and down to earth. I was seen on time. The appropriate test, ā€œx-raysā€ were taken before the conversation with doctor, something I really liked, test for analysis and conversation was done upfront. Dr. V had a great personality and was no BS, straight forward diagnosis and a play on next steps. I am happy I found them and would refer them to friends and family.
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20:01 28 Apr 22
Amazing team!! Very caring, profesional, and friendly!! Dr. Kevin Kuo, you are the best, very passionate, caring, and helping thank you for getting me better and being so kind to me! Elizabeth you the best thank you for you help always and you big smile and positive actitud❤️🙏🏼
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What a great place! The place is clean and organized.The staff is wonderful. Setting up physical therapy is right there as well.I'm so glad I found this place.
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22:45 05 Apr 22
This was my 1st time breaking something in my 27 years on this planet. I was recommended here by a friend Dr. Vashka helped me from day 1 and still continues to check in on me and my healing ankle. Would highly recommend
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16:06 01 Apr 22
Brand new office, same great doctors! Rooms are clean, plenty of parking, physical therapy attached, Dr. Karkare and his staff are awesome. Thank you!
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Great staff. Dr. Vaksha is awesome and takes the time to listen to his patients. He is very compassionate. I would highly recommend this office.
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01:24 23 Feb 22
After suffering from a severe ankle injury Dr. V was able to help me heal and return back to work completely to a job where I stand for 12 hours a day. The office is very clean and I appreciated the reminders of my appointments via phone call and through text. The patient portal made it easy for me to access all my documents including work notes. The office staff is wonderful and Rebecca was able to schedule me with a busy schedule and awesome at answering all of my questions including referring me to a great physical therapy office. I highly recommend this office to anyone who’s looking for knowledgeable and kind orthopedic office.
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The staff here are great, I was seen at the time of my appointment and was well taken care of!
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18:14 07 Jan 21
They are an excellent practice. The front and back office people are amazing and so helpful. Rebecca is such a kind and understanding person. I had an issue with paperwork and she cleared it right up. Dr. Karkare is very knowledgeable, helpful, and caring.
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18:17 17 Nov 20
Great experience, the Doctor is nice but the staff is incredible. I worked with Linda, who was profession and assisted me beyond what any person has done at other practices. Complete Ortho should be complimented for having such a person on their staff.I highly recommend this place!!!
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I was rear ended in an auto accident , Dr Vashka was recommended by a friend of mine .I was experiencing Back , neck , and shoulder pain . After a thorough examination and given exercises to do at home , I am feeling much better , and I ended up avoiding surgery . The staff at Complete Ortho is extremely attentive and show great care when making an appointment and are very friendly and i never waited more than 5 minutes for my appointment . So I would strongly recommend Complete Orthopedics for any aches and pains that one might be experiencing.....
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04:44 17 Nov 20
It was the afternoon of Friday Sept. 24. We were in Pt. Jefferson and my wife, Mary Ann, broke her hip. We went to Mather Hospital and it was determined that she would have to have an operation to have it repaired. This would be her third time under the knife in the past year. It just so happened that we were very fortunate enough to have Dr. Karkare, who was on standby, perform the surgery. He put in a rod and two screws in her hip. She spent a few days in the hospital and then went to Gurwin rehabilitee for another few weeks.It has now been almost six weeks and we both worked the election the other day. If it wasn’t for Dr. Karkare’s expertise she never would have been able to work. She is able to walk with a walker and is doing physical therapy three times a week.We can not thank the doctor enough for the compassion and dedication that he puts into his work. It allows Mary Ann do the things that she likes to do, even on a limited basis for a while. I know that with her will, perseverance and the great work that the surgeon performed she will be back on her feet in no time.Sincerely:John V. PlumpEast Northport, NY 11731
Jack Harris
14:36 06 Nov 20
In the year of 2018 I was referred to Dr. Karkare because I was experiencing severe knee joint pain. After exhausting physical therapy and trying to labor through the pain, I had to make a quality of life decision. Total knee replacement was the only viable option. Dr. Karkare made my decision easy as he walked me through the whole process from surgery to recovery.On 12/13/19 ( Friday the 13th) I enter Lenox Hill Hospital in great hands. From the time I entered Dr. Karkare’s office for the first time until now, his staff has been amazing. Andrea the medical coordinator walked me through all the paper work and necessary preparations for the surgery. Courtesy and kind would be an understatement. Dr. Karkare went over and beyond from the wellness checks and phone calls all to assure me that I was important to him. This was the right decision no pain and no limp. Complete Orthopedics should be your choice!
Kenneth Randolph
22:18 25 Sep 20
Dr. Vadshka has a great bedside manner. He really takes his time and explains treatment options.
T Lee
12:33 09 Sep 20
I suffered with pain in both knees for years. My orthopedic doctor kept recommending knee replacement . I fought it for years, as I was just afraid. When I had no choice and could barely walk , it was recommended I see Dr. Karkare. We set up a consultation and my wife and I left his office feeling totally confident and comfortable with moving ahead with the surgery. He explained everything to us, and the office staff set everything up for us and made the process easy. So about one month after our initial meeting I had the first knee done. I was up walking mere hours after the surgery, and on the workout machines the next morning. I went home two days after the surgery, and yes walked my daughter down the aisle at her wedding only one week after the surgery without even a cane! Three months later I had the other knee done and went home the very next day. Dr. Karkare put my fears to rest . I would highly recommend him. His expertise gave me my life back. Thank you Dr. Karkare.SincerelyVito Congro
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23:58 12 Aug 20
Dr Rhodin really cares for his patients. When I see him he makes sure to review my progress in detail.
Micki Cahill
15:03 08 Feb 20
My mom had a total hip replacement by dr karkare. He is the BEST orthopedic doctor.Her incision is almost invisable.She is going back for her other hip next week. The office staff is the best, love Andrea.You wont find a better doctor.
Ryan Brigandi
21:06 13 Jul 18
There is no better Orthopedic doctor you will find. Broke my ankle three places on a Saturday. Called Dr. Karkare. He had is team ready at the hospital and operated on me within 6 hours after my injury. Now After 3 months of great care by him and his staff, I am walking to normalcy.
Spacecom Tel
04:13 23 Mar 18
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My name is Dr. Suhirad Khokhar, and am an orthopaedic surgeon. I completed my MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) at Govt. Medical College, Patiala, India.

I specialize in musculoskeletal disorders and their management, and have personally approved of and written this content.

My profile page has all of my educational information, work experience, and all the pages on this site that I've contributed to.