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My Question Is This. Because Of A Botched Fusion I
Question: My question is this. Because of a botched fusion I am currently fused from L2 to S1 and it is currently fused into a flat back position.. But most of the cages are loose and I can still bend over to pick anything off the floor. I am scheduled to have surgery this Wed a fusion from T-10 to S1. Right now I can't stand straight up and breathing is a problem. Right now I don't like the problems I am going to have with the lack of mobility from the next fusion. Isn't there something in between what I have now and the total fusion. I am 66 have almost every auto-amune problem there is. I want to start another business but I need to move better than the fusion will let me. My body from the waiste to the shoulders leans to the right. Can you give me any insite about what can be done..
Part of my question was isn't there something in between what I have currently and a total Fusion from T10 to S1. Right now because of the flat back syndrome I am not able to stand upright because I keep bending over, it is forcing me to bend over and that is what is causing the breathing problem. Part of my question was isn't there something that they can do to correct a flat back part that way I would be able to strengthen my upper back even if I had to wear an external brace. It seems to me that I wouldn't be able to have more Mobility that way. They're thinking about recurving my back which would mean cutting into the fused part creating a wedge and then fusing the rest. My question is, if they can cut into the fuse part and create a wedge why can't they put an artificial disc in so I would have some Mobility, do you know what I'm saying
Part of my question was isn't there something in between what I have currently and a total Fusion from T10 to S1. Right now because of the flat back syndrome I am not able to stand upright because I keep bending over, it is forcing me to bend over and that is what is causing the breathing problem. Part of my question was isn't there something that they can do to correct a flat back part that way I would be able to strengthen my upper back even if I had to wear an external brace. It seems to me that I wouldn't be able to have more Mobility that way. They're thinking about recurving my back which would mean cutting into the fused part creating a wedge and then fusing the rest. My question is, if they can cut into the fuse part and create a wedge why can't they put an artificial disc in so I would have some Mobility, do you know what I'm saying
Brief Answer:
As explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
Let me explain to you one by one.
1. Breathing problem is not related to the issues at T12 to S1.
2. Motion preserving disc replacement surgery requires well functioning non-arthritic joints and other mechanisms with isolated disc degeneration which is usually the case in younger individuals less than 50 years. At 66 years of age, your supporting facet joints would have undergone significant wear and tear to preclude disc replacement surgery.
3. The creation of the wedge in the fused part of the spine provides the best lever arm to correct flat back and helps in achieving a good outcome by limiting fixation below T10.
4. Correction of the flat back by creating wedge would be the best way forward for your condition but yes it would come at the cost of loss of motion at your spine.
I hope this answered your query. Let me know if I can help you further.
Regards,
As explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
Let me explain to you one by one.
1. Breathing problem is not related to the issues at T12 to S1.
2. Motion preserving disc replacement surgery requires well functioning non-arthritic joints and other mechanisms with isolated disc degeneration which is usually the case in younger individuals less than 50 years. At 66 years of age, your supporting facet joints would have undergone significant wear and tear to preclude disc replacement surgery.
3. The creation of the wedge in the fused part of the spine provides the best lever arm to correct flat back and helps in achieving a good outcome by limiting fixation below T10.
4. Correction of the flat back by creating wedge would be the best way forward for your condition but yes it would come at the cost of loss of motion at your spine.
I hope this answered your query. Let me know if I can help you further.
Regards,
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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