[Guest]

When my son was 16, he had a hemilaminectomy and discectomy at the L4-5 level of his spine. Now 18, he's been having increased back pain, and a recent plain X-ray shows a calcification at the L-4 L-5 level. What is the significance of this? Will it need treatment, and if so, what treatments are available? So far, all the neurosurgeon has recommended is that my son follow up with a CT scan to determine the exact location of the calcification.
Thanks for your help.

[Guest]

Calcium can be seen in different settings, include on discs, blood vessels, boney growth. The neurosurgeon will be able to determine more after the films are reviewed, and determine if there are any specific treatments needed. Treatment of the back pain will also be important, and may include physical therapy, medications, epidural injections etc, depending on the specific circumstances and exam findings.
[quote] When my son was 16, he had a hemilaminectomy and discectomy at the L4-5 level of his spine. Now 18, he's been having increased back pain, and a recent plain X-ray shows a calcification at the L-4 L-5 level... [/quote]