6/5/2020
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examination reads as follows:
Physical Examination:
There is no tenderness elicited when pressing on the left buttock. Slight
tenderness and radiating pain was noted when the L5-S1 facet joints were
pressed.
Assessment;
Sacro-iliitis, left and Bilateral facet joint arthropathy, L5-S1
Plan:
Local anesthesia injection into the left sacro-iliac joint to determine
significance of the sacro-ilitis. If there is a slight improvement or complete
improvement, then the sacro-iliac joint will be injected with steroids and
long-acting local anesthesia. Then bilateral facet joint injections at L4-5 and
L5-S1 will be performed on the same day.[32]
On April 28, 2008, respondent consulted another independent physician, Dr. Alan
Leonardo R. Raymundo (Dr. Raymundo) - an orthopedic surgeon of the Philippine
Orthopedic Institute - who issued a Medical Report[33] which states:
This 37-year-old seaman was repatriated here last May 2007, because of
low back pain after carrying a heavy load while on board a ship. He was first
seen at St. Luke's Medical Center when he was repatriated x x x and has
undergone an epidural shot for his low back pain. His MRI plates show no
significant disc protrusion that might be impinging on the nerve and his EMG
NCV results were also normal. However he continuous [sic] to have low back
pain whenever he would walk for long distances and whenever he would sit
for long periods. He claims that his pain is actually in the area of the
sacroiliac joint radiating down the buttock area and posterior to the thigh
when this would occur.
He was referred to Dr. Ramon Santos Ocampo to look for the pain generator
and injection of the Facet Joint and the Sacroiliac Joint of the Lumbar Spine
were done. After the procedure the pain was relieved, however after three
weeks the pain recurred.
Because of the recurrence of the pain and considering the nature of his job
as a seaman, I told him that it would be impossible for him to return to his
previous work duties. I would therefore declare him not fit for duty.[34]
On October 8, 2009, respondent underwent a second MRI of the lumbar spine at the
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