My neurosurgeon has recommeded tha I
remove the hardware from my fusion at
L5S1. I had this fusion 14 years ago and
am worried about the complications
possible from removal. I am also not sure
if I will benefit in tems of reduced pain.
Suffering from severe lower back pain &
sciatic in right leg.
Can anyone share their experience or
thoughts?
Mary C
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algosdoc
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 186
Posted: 02-11-08 07:27am
Consider an injection of the hardware as
it goes into the bone. If you get
reduction in pain, one study shows there
is at least a 2/3 chance you will receive
long term pain relief after hardware
removal.
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Mary C
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 3
Removal of Fusion Hardware, 14 years old Posted: 02-11-08 21:09pm
Thanks so much for the reply. What type
of injection are you referring to. This
is all new to me!
Mary C
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algosdoc
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 186
Posted: 02-11-08 21:21pm
Usually a local anesthetic injection
placed through a small diameter needle
(usually 22 or 25 gauge) under
fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance..... Pain
physicians can do this kind of injection.
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Mary C
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 3
Removal of Fusion Hardware, 14 years old Posted: 02-12-08 20:24pm
Thanks so much. I'll look into this for
sure.
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lonestarguy
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 591 Location: , Hoosierland, USA
Thanks: 10
Thanked:1
Posted: 02-12-08 20:36pm
Mary C:
I'm getting a facet joint injection
tomorrow (my 14th injection since 2000).
The procedure is non-invasive and it can
relieve pain for up to six months. The
fluoroscopic guidance helps the doctor to
find the correct location. There are
several different types of injections, so
check it out.
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expatient
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 126 Location: Finland
Posted: 02-13-08 08:44am
The reason for pains may not be in
spine...
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algosdoc
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 186
Posted: 02-13-08 09:45am
Facet blocks are typically not useful at
the level of a fusion because there is
very little motion about that segment.
Above and below the fusion, injections
into the facets may be useful. Facet
injections are invasive...they involve
placement of a needle 2-3 inches below the
skin, but they are minimally invasive.
There may indeed be other causes other
than spinal...
