Decided on Dr Cronen, surgery date set. Qs on diff in rods?

[LSKOCH5]

What a relief now we've made the decision to go w Dr Cronen. Jacob's surgery is set for Jan 3 at Tampa General. Reality crashed down overwhelmingly for a bit after getting the date, but we are so thankful as we know there are so many people who are much worse off. And we arent having to wait long at all. Not to make light of what still is major surgery, but we have insurance and family support and access to info and a great surgeon, and that this all has come about while Jacob is a young teen.
I do have questions about the diff in rods tho- he said titanium can break more easily; is there any concern about putting cobalt in the body, as isn't a form of cobalt radioactive? Is stainless more or less durable, ESP for a very active boy (who has done stupid things such as parkour (roof jumping!) without our knowledge and hopefully never again will.

[rohrer01]

I think there was some discussion about metal types on JDM555's thread. Linda Racine knows a lot about that as she works with a bunch of scoli docs. I would let your surgeon know. He would know best what instrumentation is best to use under the circumstances. Best wishes on the surgery!

[LindaRacine]

I think it's cobalt 50 that's poisonous. The cobalt rods in use today are cobalt chromium.

I'll tell you what I've told others. Don't get hung up on what the rods are made of. You've chosen a surgeon you trust. He probably knows more about rod materials than any of us could ever know, so why second guess him? There are about 100 different spinal implant systems on the market. Hopefully, your surgeon has chosen the system with which he's had the best results and most experience.

[Elisa]

It was such a relief for us when we actually got the surgery date, well two surgery dates actually. My son's rods are cobalt-chromium- (?) molybdenum. I can't remember the middle one and would have to look it up. Like Linda said, the surgeon will choose what he feels best for your son as he is the expert. Keep us posted on how things go!

[mabeckoff]

You have made the most important decision. You have chosen a surgeon that you feel comfortable with his surgical knowledge and skills. After that , let him do
what you have chosen him for and you be the parent to take care of your child. My son has had many surgeries, not back surgery . He needs you there to be his
parent and the surgeon to do his thing

[Pooka1]

What a relief now we've made the decision to go w Dr Cronen. Jacob's surgery is set for Jan 3 at Tampa General. Reality crashed down overwhelmingly for a bit after getting the date, but we are so thankful as we know there are so many people who are much worse off. And we arent having to wait long at all. Not to make light of what still is major surgery, but we have insurance and family support and access to info and a great surgeon, and that this all has come about while Jacob is a young teen.
I do have questions about the diff in rods tho- he said titanium can break more easily; is there any concern about putting cobalt in the body, as isn't a form of cobalt radioactive? Is stainless more or less durable, ESP for a very active boy (who has done stupid things such as parkour (roof jumping!) without our knowledge and hopefully never again will.

Hi. Great that you have such an experienced surgeon. I am sure you will get a great result.

In re rod material, there are pros and cons of all materials. There is no one ideal material for all patients. We know this because various surgeons use various materials in various patients. I agree with the folks who say pick the surgeon and let them do their job.

There is no known toxicity of the present suite of rod materials or else they would not be approved for implantation.

There are no natural radioactive isotopes of cobalt because they all have short (or exquisitely short) half lives. Cobalt radioisotopes used in medicine and science are all man-made. For example, there are research reactors with Co-60 at some labs I have visited.

[LSKOCH5]

Good advice from all. My mantra shall be - within reason - Let the man do what he does well :) sorry for silly question on cobalt, but it kept bugging me. y'all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[Pooka1]

There are no silly Cobalt questions. :-)

You have a top surgeon. That should be a comfort.

You can do this. Good luck.

[leahdragonfly]

Hi there,

I am glad you have selected your son's surgeon and have a date. I know it is all extremely nerve-wracking as a parent, but I think for me anyway there was a lot of comfort in having a date firmed up.

I agree with the others, let your surgeon do what he does best. He will select the material he thinks os best for your son (although it is of course ok to ask questions!). I had my surgery 13 months ago with cobalt chrome rods, and I am doing great.

Good luck with you son's surgery. Feel free to ask any questions you want here.