Hardware and injections

[Vivian]

My PM Dr. wants me to see my surgeon to have my hardware removed. Although she says it is laying right on my L5 nerve causing me pain, her primary reason for wanting me to have it out is that the hardware is in the way of injections. Is this common practice? I have had fusion twice and probably will always have nerve compression at that level due to spondy.One thing that really concerns me is that part of the reason she can't get in is scar tissue? Won't surgery make that issue worse? I don't talk to my surgeon till the end of March,and I am looking for the the right questions to ask.

Vivian

[Alastair]

Hi Vivian,
What hardware is this -- - harrington rods?
Best
Alastair

[mmglobal]

Vivian,

As with most questions about spine surgery, there is no certain answer because it's based on too many variables. I know 3 people who've gotten their hardware (posterior instrumentation) removed. All experienced substantial improvement.

If good fusion has taken place, the hardware is redundant. If the hardware is causing pain, the removing it should be helpful. If the hardware is not causing pain, removing it won't help.

Whatever you decide, good luck! Please keep us posted.

Mark

[Vivian]

Alastair,
I had a one level fusion at L5/S1 wiht four screws, and the connecting pieces. I know with my 1st fusion they used rods,when they redid it the rods were different. They look like a flat piece of metal about the width of my smallest finger with a slit down the middle for the screws to go in. I don't know what they are called.

Vivian

[Alastair]

Hi Vivian,
It sounds as if you need to be absolutely sure that everybody agrees about this including your surgeon. I certainly can give no opinion whatsoever. They might just be ones which were immobilising your spine whilst the fusion was taking place.
Best,
Alastair