instrumentation is hardware used for fusions, though sometimes a fusion is done in situ, that is without any hardware.
Did you have CT scans done after your fusion to be sure that you did fuse or is it just assumed that the bones fused?
Since you are waiting on seeing a local neurosurgeon, it would be good for you to contact the office of the spine surgeon that did your fusion and get all your records sent to you. All the office visits, surgical notes, OR notes, MRI, CT reports, and all the films. Also get office visit notes, follow up post op reports as well.
All of this is very important for a new doctor to have and see what was done, what your condition was when you had your accident and what has gone on since the surgery.
You no doubt will need a new CT scan so that the new doctor can see what is going on now and compare it to the films before and after surgery.
Depending on whether the discs where removed or not, it could be disc compression on nerves if they are still in place.
It could be the hardware that is pressing on nerves and will need to be removed.
In the mean time, you could try using moist heat or ice to see if it relieves any of your pain.
Good luck and keep us posted on what the new doctor says.
