Back Pain Forum - Fusion Hardware Removal
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Fusion Hardware Removal

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Mary C

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 10 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
Fusion Hardware Removal
Posted: 02-10-08 18:34pm

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...
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