???

[beach_chikie]

Hi everyone,

ok, so I have another question... (Sorry) Before my surgery, my doc said that I had a 52* lumbar curve and a 25* thoracic curve. During the surgery, he only fixed the lumbar curve, and I don't know why he didn't just fix both of them. So I was wondering, is it still possible for my thoracic curve to progress??

Thanks so much!!

[Geish]

Are you sure the thoracic curve wasn't compensatory? It may have straightend out when they fixed the lumbar curve. My upper and lower curves disappeared when they fixed the +60 degree middle curve. I would ask your Dr at your next follow up appointment. You might get a pleasant surprise and find out that the thoracic curve is gone! Good Luck and let us know.

[txmarinemom]

Hailey, I think Geish is exactly right.

My strong suspicion is your thoracic curve was compensatory (these normally bend out straight on bending films at your age). Your spine will develop these compensatory curves in an effort to keep your head over your pelvis, and often correct completely once the structural curve is corrected.

The fact it was so much smaller also suggests it only existed to balance you lumbar curve.

I had a structural thoracic curve of ±53°. I also had compensatory cervical and lumbar curves (they never even measured these).

My surgeon fused me from T4-L1, and it's expected the compensatory curves will continue to correct as my body relaxes into my new posture.

If you're concerned, ask your surgeon, but I really don't think you have anything to worry about, hon ;-).

How are you feeling, anyway?

Regards,
Pam

[Geish]

Just bumping another thread down the line

[skoshi314]

Thanks

I saw that too, Geish but you beat me to the punch. Thanks!

[beach_chikie]

hey everyone!

Thanks for all of your replies! BTW, I totally forgot to mention that my curve seems more noticable now, than before the surgery. One of my shoulders is higher than the other, my ribs are also the same. I guess I never thought it was that noticable before the surgery.

TXmarinemom: Thanks for the advice! I am feeling much better than what I was 2 weeks ago. I have been back at school for 2 weeks now! But it has been tough, when I come home I feel exhausted. Anyways, thanks for asking! btw, I thought your shirt idea was awesome! I kinda want one now LOL! Good luck on Sunday!!