Does a surgery for spinal stenosis cause difficulty in walking?
Patient: I had surgery for spinal stenosis (cervical) in 2015. the reason numbness in hands and arms. After 6 wk. at home recovery went back to work on light duty. When walking I begin dragging my left leg. It was intermitting. The surgery was in Jan. In Nov. same year went hunting, Fell 16 and was knocked out. Don t remember why I fell but I had been in that stand hundreds of timeswith no problems. Had a concussion, broke shoulder, and 3 broke ribs. My suspition was my leg stiffened while decending. Time in hospital and since then haven t been able to walk without assistance and very slow. P.T. 3 times with little results. I know its a long story and I just hit on some of the highlights. My question is could the stenosis surgey be a cause of difficuty walkong? Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.   I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  One of the complications that can occur in cervical stenosis surgery is cord contusion leading to spasticity of limbs and difficulty in walking. Also, there can be cervical instability leading to cord compression. You need to get a fresh MRI done and consult a spine surgeon.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.