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Flatback AFTER Revision

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  • Flatback AFTER Revision

    Hi everyone,
    I've been reading a lot about Flatback Syndrome because I think I have it; however I believe I got it AFTER my revision surgery/adding new hardware surgery. A part of my Harrington Rods were removed to be able to install titanium ones from approximately T11-S1.

    If anyone has any information, I'd greatly appreciate it. Like I said, I've read about people developing it before the revision and it's why they needed it but not in my case. In my case my lower curve had gotten progressively worse and needed it corrected since it was going so low.

    I'm trying to concentrate on walking and standing correctly and my PT helps but I was just wondering if anyone developed it after their revision surgery and what they did to correct it.

    Christyne

  • #2
    Hi Christyne...

    Unfortunately, no one here is going to be able to help you unless you can post a photo of a full spine lateral xray.

    It is entirely possible that you have flatback. Even the best surgeons occasionally end up with too little lordosis.

    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

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    • #3
      Linda,

      Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll need any doctor to confirm it; it's too much like what I see and read on all the scoliosis sights.

      I have my 3 month appointment on Wednesday and that is on my list of questions to ask; alone with the hardware protrusion I have. I know what can be done and I'm absolutely scared out of my boots.

      Christyne

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi Christyne, Just saw your post. There are many people on this blog that have had flatback after a surgery. Let us know what your doctor says and I am sure that someone can support you.
        I will send positive thoughts your way! Susan
        Adult Onset Degen Scoliosis @65, 25* T & 36* L w/ 11.2 cm coronal balance; T kyphosis 90*; Sev disc degen T & L stenosis

        2013: T3- S1 Fusion w/ ALIF L4-S1/XLIF L2-4, PSF T4-S1 2 surgeries
        2014: Hernia @ ALIF repaired; Emergency screw removal SCI T4,5 sec to PJK
        2015: Rev Broken Bil T & L rods and no fusion: 2 revision surgeries; hardware P. Acnes infection
        2016: Ant/Lat Lumbar diskectomy w/ 4 cages + BMP + harvested bone
        2018: Removal L4,5 screw
        2021: Removal T1 screw & rod

        Comment


        • #5
          Hello Christyne,
          I'm so sorry you are having diffuculties. Our situations are similar yet a little different. In 2008 I had my first surgery to correct and stabilize by scoliosis curves. I had hit menopause and the curves began progessing rapidly. By the time I was 18 months post op, I was still having lots of pain issues and had begun having trouble standing upright. My first surgeon was very dismissive so I began getting additional opinions. I had indeed developed flatback (due to lack of lordosis) along with a couple of other issues. In 2011, I had revision surgery with a different surgeon (much better doctor) to address all my back problems, and now my posture is great. I am still dealing with very significant pain issues and am probably facing another surgery to find the cause of the pain, but the flatback was resolved.

          I'm sorry I couldn't offer any answers, but I do send my support and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
          Becky
          51 years old
          Married 28 years
          3 kids ages 23, 21 and 17
          Fused T-10 through L-5 June, 2008
          Developed junctional kyphosis, flat-back and sagittal imbalance
          Revision Surgery June 27, 2011
          Fused T-4 thru S-1 with pelvic anchor screws
          Take 2 revision October 15, 2013 to locate source of continued pain
          Pseudoarthrosis at L-3, 2 screws removed

          Comment


          • #6
            Flatback ~~~

            Hi Christyne, I had Flatback(saggital imbalance) starting after a small fusion of L3/4 L4/5 back in 2006.
            It started the onset of adult scoliosis. Although Dr. Lenke says I'v always had scoliosis sense childhood. Anyway, I started to bend over to the right side of my body, my ribs hitting my hip bone. Then I started leaning forward and my ribs were crushing my pelvic bones. I was bent so all I could do is look at the floor. I used a walker. I went to a surgeon here in S. Dak. And he failed twice. I looked for one in Minniapolis to no avail. The surgeon there insisted that because of osteoporosis the surgery would fail and put me on
            Forteo ($1200.00 a month) for a yr. I kept it up and made two more trips to Minn. and had bone scans. He kept saying it wasn't helping ang finially I quit Mr. No Hope!! I read about Dr. Lenke in St. Louis and he worked only on the most serious and you had to qualify to get an appt. with him. I qualified and am here to tell you I am standing straight and tall. I had a bump in the road. But it was my doing, as I fell very hard several times and broke a rod. He had to go in an revise this. But I am good as new. I now have a different way of doing things to avoid any chance of falling. But anyway, I wish you the best finding someone to help you. My surgeon say no physical therapy for at least a yr. if even then. He doesn't trust them to know how to handle all the hardware and says walking is the best excersises there is for this surgery. Hang in there. And don't give up till you find someone that knows what they're doing. Warmly, Linda
            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

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