I too have a broken harrington rod. I have lived with it for at least 15 years. Over the past 4 or 5 years I have increasing back pain around my right sholder blade... I don't know if this is related to the broken rod or not. I went to a doc (not the original surgeon) about 2 years ago and he said it was unrelated, and I just needed to excersize. Of course, I left his office angry and unimpressed!

I have tried arobics, yoga, water therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, and message therapy... The pain has gone from bad to worse.

I have a doc visit next wednesday with my original surgeon from 17 years ago. I want him to tell me why I hurt and how to fix it... I am not interested in managing pain.

In the mean time, I am trying to do some on-line research so that I am somewhat knowledgable when I go for my visit.

How long has your rod been broken?
Have you experienced any stabbing-like pain?
What did your doctor have to say?

Thank you for any and all answers you can provide.

Tricia

My dad has had metal rods in his back since 1995. They are horrible. He is in so much more pain than before and now every doctor says there is nothing they can do for him b/c the rods can never come out. I am trying to get him into the mayo clinic but so far haven't had any luck. He lives in constant pain.

I know some people that have had this procedure with success but my dad is not one of them. I wish we had done more research before he had the surgery.

Has anyone heard of someone having them removed? All doctors we have talked too are afraid to do it b/c of the risk that it could paralyze him. We are desperately searching for alternatives other than living with pain. Please help if you know anything that could relieve his pain.

Just by reading boards like this, I have come across a lot of people who have had their rods removed. I myself am scheduled to have mine removed in january. My doctor says that the risk is minimal as apposed to the first surgery where they had to attach the rods to my spine. He says it is a fairly routine procedure. My doctor is Dr. William francis in houston.

I would suggest visiting the forum at http://www.Scoliosis.Org/. There is a lot of good information/personal stories there.

The things is the rods my dad has are not actually the harrington rods. He doesn't have scolisis but these rods sound very similar to what he has. Thanks for the contact information. I'll keep it handy. Good luck with you surgery.

:?

I am 44 and about 8 years ago my harrington rods were found
scattered around my spine area.

I am just wondering if your father found any type of help?
I sure do wish him well.
This is a horrible thing to endure.
Vicki

i have had harrington rods since i was 11 that makes it 16 years now and i have no problem however my surgeon had told me when i was 18 and had finished growing i could have them removed if i wanted to however because i have no problems i have chosen not to go that route. but according to my surgeon it is possible to remove them....

I have heard of problems with them coming out...If you are comfortable I would hesitate messing with them...Just my thoughts on this...

Caroline