17/11/2025
Spine Surgery in Elderly
Lumbar canal stenosis with claudication is commonly seen in Elderly patients. This affects their mobility, activity levels and quality of life. Most of these patients manage with simple conservative measures like medication and exercises. But some of them who don’t respond to these measures need Surgery.
However, there is a serious phobia in general with regard to spine surgery especially in elderly patients. Most of these patients suffer from serious spinal issues for many years due to the fear of paralysis and don’t opt for surgery.
Recently I operated upon Dr NP Singh, 80 years of age, a senior paediatrician from Merrut for L45 Spondylolisthesis and stenosis. Otherwise healthy, he had been suffering from leg pain on walking and standing for last few years which was affecting his day to day activities. His walking and standing time was gradually decreasing and regular walks were painful.
Being himself a Doctor he was quite motivated for surgery and did not require any convincing.
He underwent L45 Fusion - TLIF. Within a day he was walking and standing and could see improvement in his leg pain. Now at 2 weeks post surgery he is much better and most likely he will start his practice in a week.
