Can curves increase after surgery?

[Cimbom]

Hi all,

My surgeon left one vertebrae at the top unfused and one at the bottom (my curve was from T11-L4, he fused T12-L3). He did this as a compromise between getting a good correction and maintaining lumbar flexibility. I was just wondering, does this mean that my curve can increase again or is it fine? I'm probably worrying unnecessarily but just need the reassurance. Thanks

[LindaRacine]

Hi all,

My surgeon left one vertebrae at the top unfused and one at the bottom (my curve was from T11-L4, he fused T12-L3). He did this as a compromise between getting a good correction and maintaining lumbar flexibility. I was just wondering, does this mean that my curve can increase again or is it fine? I'm probably worrying unnecessarily but just need the reassurance. Thanks

Hi...

If the fusion is solid, there will be no significant increase within the fusion mass.

If the fusion never solidifies, the rods may eventually break, and the curves may return.

Beyond that, you may curve above or below the fusion. If your discs and vertebrae below L3 are not level, you have a risk that you will need the fusion extended. On the upper end, it's possible that your spine could curve above the fusion or that your spine could become more kyphotic (search junctional kyphosis).

Hope none of that happens.

Regards,
Linda

[asccbodypro]

continued progression

I have read the same thing of what Linda is talking about and have also wondered and worried(a tiny bit) if that would happen to me. chances are it probably wouldn't happen but I think it's natural to worry about it. Certainly not silly to ask or to keep checking on things through the years just to be on the safe side.

[titaniumed]

No sense worrying, just be aware of it.

All of us, pre or post,will need that occasional peek (x-ray) once in a while.

Ed