Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Rod Removal,when should you get it done

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Rod Removal,when should you get it done

    Hello,

    I had my surgery in 1990 at the age of 12 and had two harrington rods put in from T4-L3. I am now 28 years old and lead a pretty active lifestyle with yoga, and pilates (there are a few exercises I can't do since my spine moves as one unit from t4-l3, making spine fluction impossible). Recently I went to a chiropractor to deal with some upper back and neck pain since I carry most of my stress up there, He suggested since I am young and healthy, I should think about getting my rods removed, stating Harrington rods were not meant to be left in, since they were placed there only to help support the spine during my growth spurt. He also mentioned the "use it or lose it" saying, meaning that the muscles in the part of my spine haven't really been working since the rod have been there which means they are probably atrophied/weak. Also he said since I have great range of motion for having two rods in my back, that my spine may be compensating where I don't have rods, which could result in disc problems later in life.

    I am seriously contemplating getting my rods removed, as a preventive measure, but I want to make sure I have done all the necessary research before I go for surgery again. Any comments on pros and cons of rod removal would be much appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Arlene312

  • #2
    Most people don't get them removed unless the rods are causing problems.

    I don't think taking out the rods would change your muscle tone, your spine will still be fused regardless....
    30 something y.o.

    2003 - T45, L???
    2005 - T50, L31
    bunch of measurements between...

    2011 - T60, L32
    2013 - T68, L?

    Posterior Fusion Sept 2014 -- T3 - L3
    Post - op curve ~35


    Comment


    • #3
      Hi Arlene...

      You should not have your rods removed unless there is a specific reason to do so. Here are a few studies of people who have had their rods removed:

      http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_docsum
      http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_DocSum
      http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_docsum

      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


      • #4
        Thank you Linda and GreenM&M for your replies. Those articles were very helpful Linda, I will print them out and see what the chiropractor says about them.

        Thanks you both again,
        Arlene

        Comment


        • #5
          Hi Arlene...

          You may also wish to get an opinion from a scoliosis specialist. You can find a list of them here:

          http://www.srs.org/directory/directory.asp

          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


          • #6
            Hi Arlene, I have had my rods in since 1966. I thought first of all that I should have had them out and asked a few years ago, but I have since learnt all the problems people who have had them out have had, so I am glad mine are still where they are.
            Mine couldnt be taken out, but then again as I said now I am glad they werent.

            Linda has given you the absolute best advice,.

            Macky
            Operation 1966, Fused from T4 to L3, had Harrington rods inserted. Originally had an 85 degree Thoracic curve with lumbar scoliosis as well but had a good correction.
            Perfectly normal life till 1997 but now in a lot of pain daily. Consider myself very fortunate though.

            Comment

            Working...
            X