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Anyone had adult scoliosis two stage surgeries,now have flatback syndrome

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  • Anyone had adult scoliosis two stage surgeries,now have flatback syndrome

    I had two stage scoliosis surgeries Nov. 10th & Nov. 15, 2010 for adult onset scoliosis only 2 years ago began.
    Now 7 months post op I have developed lordosis or FLATBACK SYNDROME! I am bent forward what feels about 45 degrees and now about two weeks ago noticed that I am pitching to the right! My surgeon two days ago said I will need to have a wedge removed from my lumbar area, with part of the two Harrington rods cut, screws removed, and new rods attached to remaining rods.

    I am fused now T9 to S1 from my scoliosis surgeries in 2010. I have previously had 50+ surgeries. I had a horrfic car accident 1983 and previously had a horseback riding accident in 1968. I am only 59 years old and though I am in pain and have been since 1983.

    I am very nervous about going through what sounds like terrible surgery again by the same surgeon, who came highly recommended by several physicians and patients. His partner will operate with him this time and he will cut about a 9" incision posteriorly through my back, much blood loss anticipated with probable transfusions and probably have to go to inpatient rehab again prior to going home. I was in the ICU and 5 days at rehab for total of 21 days. I dread this, but I want to be better. Any good outcomes similar to my situation or any advice!!!
    I live in the Tampa Bay area and my doctors are from the Florida Orthopaedic Institute!!

    Would welcome any input or encouragements. Thank you SO much!
    SouthernLady930

  • #2
    Hi...

    It sounds like you have some concern about the qualifications of your surgeons, and I can't say I blame you. It's rare that any of the top scoliosis surgeons end up giving patients flatback these days. I would urge you to get a second opinion.

    I had flatback, and had revision surgery in January. It wasn't anything I'd do if I could avoid it, but now that I'm 5 months postop, I'm extremely happy with my results. I haven't been this pain free in about 15 years.

    These are the specialists that the Scoliosis Research Society lists in your area:
    Geoffrey Alan Cronen, MD
    Florida Medical Clinic
    14547 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
    Tampa, FL 33613
    Phone: (813) 979-0440
    Fax: (813) 979-9074
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions, Juvenile/Infantile

    Frank J. Eismont, MD
    University of Miami School of Medicine
    Department of Orthpaedics
    D-27, PO Box 016960 (D-27)
    Miami, FL 33101
    Phone: (305) 585-7138
    Fax: (305) 324-7658
    Specialties: Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    Stephen T. Enguidanos, MD
    Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery Center
    550A Twin Cities Boulevard
    Niceville, FL 32578
    Phone: (850) 729-1444
    Fax: (850) 729-0300
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    Joseph C. Flynn, Sr., MD
    1131 S. Orange Avenue
    Orlando, FL 32806
    Phone: (407) 849-1200
    Fax: (407) 841-6940
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions, Juvenile/Infantile

    Matthew D. Hepler, MD
    1155 35th Lane, Suite 100
    Vero Beach, FL 32960
    Phone: (772) 569-2330
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    Richard A. Hynes, MD
    The B.A.C.K Center
    2222 S. Harbor City Boulevard, Suite 610
    Melbourne, FL 32901-1937
    Phone: (321) 723-7716 x 1510
    Fax: (321) 723-0604
    Specialties: Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    Samuel Abraham Joseph, Jr., MD
    Moreno Spine & Scoliosis
    Tampa Medical Tower
    2727 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, #250
    Tampa, FL 33607
    Phone: (813) 870-1206
    Fax: (813) 877-5913
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions, Juvenile/Infantile

    Brandon J. Kambach, MD
    Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute
    14540 St. Augustine Road, Suite 2201
    Jacksonville, FL 32258 United States
    Phone: (904) 880-1260
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    Paul M. Keller, MD
    Atlantic Orthopedic Group
    1341 Medical Park Drive, #201
    Melbourne, FL 32901-3217
    Phone: (321) 768-9914
    Fax: (321) 722-0070
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    Nathan H. Lebwohl, MD
    University of Miami - Orthopaedics
    PO Box 016960 (D-27)
    Miami, FL 33101-6960
    Phone: (305) 585-8225
    Fax: (305) 324-7658
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    James B.Sandoval Manzanares, MD
    Gulf Coast Spine & Orthopaedic Institute
    8340 Collier Boulevard, Suite 203
    Naples, FL 34114
    Phone: (239) 514-2642
    Fax: (239) 514-2643
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions, Juvenile/Infantile

    G. Grady McBride, MD
    Orlando Orthopaedic Center
    25 W. Crystal Lake St., Suite 200
    Orlando, FL 32806
    Phone: (407) 222-0812
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    Anthony P. Moreno, MD
    Moreno Spine and Scoliosis
    Tampa Medical Tower, Suite 250
    2727 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
    Tampa, FL 33607
    Phone: (813) 870-1206
    Fax: (813) 877-5913
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    David Siambanes, DO
    St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa
    3003 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
    Tampa, FL 33607
    Phone: (813) 554-8983
    Fax: (813) 554-8992
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Juvenile/Infantile, Degenerative Conditions

    Reginald L. Tall, MD
    Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic
    1285 Orange Avenue
    Winter Park, FL 32789-4941
    Phone: (407) 647-2287
    Fax: (407) 643-1393
    Specialties: Adolescent, Adult Scoliosis, Aging Spine, Degenerative Conditions

    The doctors that I've heard good things about are Nate Lebwohl, Anthony Moreno, and Grady McBride.

    Good luck.

    Regards,
    Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

    Comment


    • #3
      I have somewhat same problem!

      Hi, I saw your post and I know how you feel. I am a 59 yr. old female. I had surgery to correct my scoliosis July 1st. 2010. All posterior.(T11 to pelvis) Three months later I was so pitched forward and in pain- I could hardley walk.(saggital imbalance &flatback) They took me back into surgery Oct. 20, 2010 and extended up to T4. Eight months later the same thing has happened. So I don't know quite where I stand right now. (but not straight up!). They removed a couple of screws that were protruding through my skin at the pelvis area. I am waiting to go back for a follow up as they wanted to see what removing these screws would do. It is not better. It just helped because they protruded so much they were painful and I couln't put on pants to wear or anything. I am in pain as it's a tough time trying to stand up sraight to walk. And it is painful. I don't know what to do next. I am just terribly scared of another surgery. They are truley wicked surgeries as far as invasive. But if I knew things would turn out alright I would feel so much better about it. Hang in there. I wish I had a magic answer for you. I just know what you feel like. Best of luck to you. God Bless You!! babyboomer 16
      Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
      Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
      This started adult onset scoliosis
      July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
      Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
      Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
      May 30th 2013 revision
      May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
      May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

      Comment


      • #4
        I'll pray for you!

        Hi Southern Lady, Yes I am a Christian. And yes, I know for sure, after these surgeries, that there has to be a power greater than us. I have also had many(around 30) surgeries in my life. Not all on my back. Some very invasive ~~some not. And that is why I am probably wore out a bit. Too many surgeries.!! But I don't want to end up like this. It's hard to live this way. Although I try to tell myself there's so many worse off, this is painful !! But I have lived with pain for yrs. Although I have also been on pain meds. for years. Another issue that makes surgery that much harder, as I have grown tolerant to pain medicine. I pray you find the right answer too!! As no one should have to live this way . And 59 isn't that old! Right? I have a good family. Although I am sure they grow weary of all my problems. My mother works circles around me at 79! But we aren't all given the same cross to bear. And "some people" have more obstacles to overcome. We are "some people"!! So I will pray for you and keep us posted here on the forum . I will do the same. I feel really bad for you, as I DO know what it's like. babyboomer16 P.S. Do you use a cane or anything?
        Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
        Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
        This started adult onset scoliosis
        July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
        Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
        Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
        May 30th 2013 revision
        May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
        May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

        Comment


        • #5
          Hi, I had scoliosis surgery in 2002, was good for about 7 years, Now I had surgery at Johns Hopkins May 9 and June 21 to correct saggital imbalance, & flatback, I was almost bent in half, could not stand upright without support, he did P&A. He did a PSO which is a wedge in the spine, now I can stand upright without support, and I am 2 1/2- 3 inches taller. It is a nasty surgery, but my outcome is good so far. (I also had a rod broke and did not feel it. It did not show up on x-ray) so good luck to you, careful on the Dr. you choose, not to many do REVISION SURGERY. LU

          Comment


          • #6
            Question about your surgeies

            Originally posted by Lue View Post
            Hi, I had scoliosis surgery in 2002, was good for about 7 years, Now I had surgery at Johns Hopkins May 9 and June 21 to correct saggital imbalance, & flatback, I was almost bent in half, could not stand upright without support, he did P&A. He did a PSO which is a wedge in the spine, now I can stand upright without support, and I am 2 1/2- 3 inches taller. It is a nasty surgery, but my outcome is good so far. (I also had a rod broke and did not feel it. It did not show up on x-ray) so good luck to you, careful on the Dr. you choose, not to many do REVISION SURGERY. LU
            What is a P&A and a PSO? And why did you have two May 9th and June 21st., instead of just one surgery? boomer
            Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
            Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
            This started adult onset scoliosis
            July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
            Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
            Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
            May 30th 2013 revision
            May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
            May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

            Comment


            • #7
              Hi Boomer, Posterior(back)- Anterior(front) sometimes they have to do 2 stage surgery. and PSO is Pedical Subtraction Osteotomy, that is a wedge is made in spine to bring a person upright. many people on this site have had that done. I was done at Johns H. and glad I did. I still have a good amount of pain, but it is getting a little better each day. good luck LU

              Comment


              • #8
                In same position...

                I had a T8-S1 fusion surgery with rods and pins, etc May 2010. As soon as I got out of the brace a few months later I was leaning forward. My surgeon, who is the best in my area, wanted to extend the fusion up to just below my neck bone.

                I had a funny feeling about that. I went to see a neuro who had done a 6 level neck fusion on a friend. She has no pain now. He is more of a specialist in this field and he said I needed the wedge or wedges in my spine because my plumb line isn't right. I found out more about this whole "flat back" problem by reading this:

                http://www.scoliosisnutty.com/flatback-syndrome.php

                After reading that and some info from this site, I'm sure he is right. I'm very sad that the surgery is so major and invasive, but it looks like fusing higher up, more levels, just isn't gonna do the trick.... I'm 62, so I understand what you're feeling.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by LindaRacine View Post
                  Hi...

                  It sounds like you have some concern about the qualifications of your surgeons, and I can't say I blame you. It's rare that any of the top scoliosis surgeons end up giving patients flatback these days. I would urge you to get a second opinion.

                  I had flatback, and had revision surgery in January. It wasn't anything I'd do if I could avoid it, but now that I'm 5 months postop, I'm extremely happy with my results. I haven't been this pain free in about 15 years.

                  These are the specialists that the Scoliosis Research Society lists in your area:


                  Regards,
                  Linda

                  Linda,
                  I'm in Felton, CA (Santa Cruz County) and needing flat back revision. Can you please give me a list of docs in the Santa Cruz, San Jose or San Francisco areas? Or can you just please give me a link to find them?
                  Thanks,
                  Bev

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by breeze530 View Post
                    I had a T8-S1 fusion surgery with rods and pins, etc May 2010. As soon as I got out of the brace a few months later I was leaning forward. My surgeon, who is the best in my area, wanted to extend the fusion up to just below my neck bone.

                    I had a funny feeling about that. I went to see a neuro who had done a 6 level neck fusion on a friend. She has no pain now. He is more of a specialist in this field and he said I needed the wedge or wedges in my spine because my plumb line isn't right. I found out more about this whole "flat back" problem by reading this:

                    http://www.scoliosisnutty.com/flatback-syndrome.php

                    After reading that and some info from this site, I'm sure he is right. I'm very sad that the surgery is so major and invasive, but it looks like fusing higher up, more levels, just isn't gonna do the trick.... I'm 62, so I understand what you're feeling.
                    This is probably the best most comprehensive article on "flatback" or "sagittal imbalance" that I've read. I wish I had stumbled upon this information after my first scoliosis surgery as I went for quite some time wondering what was wrong with me. The good news is that the revision surgery worked wonders for me and I went from being quite disabled to walking upright again, and having no pain. Thanks for posting this link...very informative ;-)
                    May 2008 Fusion T4 - S1, Pre-op Curves T45, L70 (age 48). Unsuccessful surgery.

                    March 18, 2010 (age 50). Revision with L3 Osteotomy, Replacement of hardware T11 - S1 , addition of bilateral pelvic fixation. Correction of sagittal imbalance and kyphosis.

                    January 24, 2012 (age 52) Revision to repair pseudoarthrosis and 2 broken rods at L3/L4.

                    Comment

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