Case History

  • 69-year old male
  • Patient had three-month history of spontaneous left lower extremity pain
  • MRI of the spine revealed multilevel lumbar spinal degeneration

Diagnosis

Patient had a left L4-L5 facet synovial cyst associated with left lower extremity radiculopathy in the L5 and primarily S1 distribution. Pain was nearly constant with varying degrees of intensity based on position changes. The pain began in left buttock and radiated down his hamstrings and calves. Intensity of pain was highest in the morning and after prolonged sitting.

Treatment

The patient was treated with a minimally invasive lumbar decompression and cyst resection through the use of the METRx™ System retractor on the left side.

  • The unique, muscle-splitting METRx™ System provides access to the spine with less tissue trauma than traditional surgeries to relieve pressure on nerves.
  • Procedures with this system offer significant potential benefits
  • Procedure performed as out-patient so patient went home on the same day.
  • Dime-size scar vs. four-inch incision with surgery
  • Dime-size scar vs. four-inch incision with surgery
  • Patient returned to work and normal activities.
  • Less post-operative pain

Outcome

Postoperatively, the patient has done very well. His left lower extremity radiculopathy is completely resolved. He takes no narcotics and is very happy with the surgical results. Patient has returned to work and normal activities and has little to no post-operative pain.

Smaller scars:
Dime-size vs. four-inch
incision with surgery