What's the correct amount to fuse?

[Kari]

I am 39 years old with a 57 degree thorasic curve. I have seen several doctors. I am told fusing the whole back is not necessary and I can always return for more surgery to repair problems. But I am concerned about fusing the whole back except the last two vertebraes will really compromise my mobility? The doctor of my choice wants pretty much the back done. I am looking for some opinions.

[LindaRacine]

Hi Kari...

Unfortunately, no one here is qualified to give you a medical opinion on how many/which levels to fuse.

I think that there are a lot of good scoliosis doctors around. I think the difference between good scoliosis specialists, and great ones, is their ability to know (as much as is possible), which levels to fuse. So, my advice is to do some research. Find out how much training each surgeon has, and preferably, pick someone who was fellowship trained in spinal deformities. Try to find patients from each doctor, and contact those patients. Do a search here, and see if anyone has anything to say about your choices. And, find out what research each surgeon has published.

Good luck with your decision.

Regards,
Linda

[CHRIS WBS]

Linda,

I have seen three "great" adult scoliosis surgeons and each one has given me a different recommendation, the most drastic being A/P from T-1 to the pelvis. I am going for a 4th opinion in January, and I'm hoping that if I have two consenting opinions, that may sway me in one direction. But quite honestly, I'm finding that the more opinions I get, the more confused and anxious I become, and I'm concerned that this may ultimately lead me to do nothing. As one surgeon told me, I can see a hundred different surgeons and get a hundred different opinions. It's very frustrating to say the least.

Chris

[joeb-z]

Two great posts above. Keep in mind that pre-op xrays and other imaging just allow the doctor to make a recomendation and plan the surgery. Once they actually start the surgery, they get more information and may fuse to different levels. My wife was fused one level lower than Dr. Boachie or any other surgeon had talked about. I gather he saw considerable mobility in her thoracic spine and decided the compensatory curve would correct itself. I agree with Linda that fellowship training is a hallmark to look for. That indicates a great start to a complex spine surgery career. Next I would look for lots of experience over many years so that they can match a fusion level decision to a successful similar case.

[smokebuds420]

My surgerant fused my entire spine except the last two vertebraes because the most movement is done through those two. However, after your opperation, you do not bend with your back, you use your legs for all types of bending. Any bending in the spine until a full fusion is solid, could be bad for the healing of the bone.

[sweetness514]

My surgerant fused my entire spine except the last two vertebraes because the most movement is done through those two. However, after your opperation, you do not bend with your back, you use your legs for all types of bending. Any bending in the spine until a full fusion is solid, could be bad for the healing of the bone.

I wish all orthos would be straight about this, as I did bend with my hips after three months and had a non union, not sure if it's the reason but still.

[Kari]

Linda,

I have seen three "great" adult scoliosis surgeons and each one has given me a different recommendation, the most drastic being A/P from T-1 to the pelvis. I am going for a 4th opinion in January, and I'm hoping that if I have two consenting opinions, that may sway me in one direction. But quite honestly, I'm finding that the more opinions I get, the more confused and anxious I become, and I'm concerned that this may ultimately lead me to do nothing. As one surgeon told me, I can see a hundred different surgeons and get a hundred different opinions. It's very frustrating to say the least.

Chris

I totally understand what you are going through! I have been reading and interviewing doctors for two months and feel like I have not made any progress. At this time, I keep reading, hoping and praying for the right surgeon to appear. Best of luck! You are not alone.

Kari

[dawney]

I was told that I could start bending now in moderation. I still do most of my bending with my legs.
One conflicting story that seems to happen often is ibuprofen. I have heard that it shouldn't be taken for up to a year yet many on here have said that their doctors have told them to take it. Just wondering if that is just differences in opinion or has factual basis

[sweetness514]

Ibuprofen

My doctor said that it's not proven, so in theory it's okay to take it but not as a long term treatment(just once in a while). Prescribed NSAIDS are worse he said.

I know it can be confusing.

[Cena75]

how come no Ibuprofen? Is it a possible cause for failed fusions? I'm six weeks post-op, and my surgeon recommended it as a catalyst from narcotic pain killers at this point - most of my pain now is muscle related from being more mobile. I had a failed fusion from my first surgery in '89. They refused it in '92, but it was attributed to being at the base of my fusion and instrumentation. What has the research stated about ibuprofen?

[sweetness514]

Cena...

I wouldn't take Ibuprofen unless occasionally, just in case b/c it can cause failed fusions, from what I have read here and heard from doctors. Try to take something else and ask your doctor about that.

[Clare]

i know im only 15 but i had the operation last year and i had most of mine done except the last 2!!i have a certain amount of mobility!!but i am fairly stiff and that is to be expected because u are getting the spine fused but u learn to do everything different and u can get used to it!!!it is ok now!!good luck!!