Typical range of motion following lumbar anterior “hybrid” reconstruction
This man in his 30’s, a business owner, hands-on, with severe, medically refractory low back pain. His MRI shows worn and torn lower lumbar discs.
![](https://www.cnsneurosurgery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1-1024x927.png)
I thought he’d benefit most from a “hybrid” reconstruction via an abdominal incision and anterior access (expert vascular surgeon facilitated that for us). I replaced his L4/5 an L5/S1 pathological discs with a slick French artificial disc+cage combination that has really suited my patients over the years.
![](https://www.cnsneurosurgery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2.png)
Now, 7 months post-op, he’s standing tall, with a lovely posture again. Back at physical work, no symptoms any more.
![](https://www.cnsneurosurgery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3-1024x636.jpg)
And, his range of motion speaks for itself. Touching his toes here, full forward flexion (even with his work boots on!)
![](https://www.cnsneurosurgery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/4-779x1024.jpg)
Extension to normal range; this was impossible for him pre-op.
![](https://www.cnsneurosurgery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/5-934x1024.jpg)
And nice lateral flexion too. Happy camper now.
![](https://www.cnsneurosurgery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/6-879x1024.jpg)
If he looks after his back according to my spinal health recommendations, he should do great in the long run. These world-class prosthetics are meant to outlive us.
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