I've been gone for a while and am therefore a little late responding but wanted to add this: When Alexander's surgery was suggested, I was very concerned about the possibility of crankshafting occurring because of his young age (esp. because boys may have up to 10 years of future growth following a fusion at age 12). Three out of four of the surgeons we interviewed strongly recommended only a posterior fusion. They all insisted that the risk of crankshaft phenomenon was so small as to be barely there anymore with the new instrumentation. They said that the pedicle screws went in so deeply that they effectively prevented the crankshaft from being able to occur.
Maybe because Elysia's surgeon was only able to use hooks and not screws, she was at a higher risk for what, prior to pedicle screws, was a fairly common phenomenon with young fusion patients.
Regardless of the cause though, I am so sorry that Elysia may need surgery again. I really hope that her lumbar curve stabilizes on its own and the crankshaft mellows out too. I still approach each follow-up appointment practically holding my breath while we await the x-ray result so I can relate to what you're going through with this (6+ years of watching, waiting, bracing).
Best Wishes,
Maybe because Elysia's surgeon was only able to use hooks and not screws, she was at a higher risk for what, prior to pedicle screws, was a fairly common phenomenon with young fusion patients.
Regardless of the cause though, I am so sorry that Elysia may need surgery again. I really hope that her lumbar curve stabilizes on its own and the crankshaft mellows out too. I still approach each follow-up appointment practically holding my breath while we await the x-ray result so I can relate to what you're going through with this (6+ years of watching, waiting, bracing).
Best Wishes,
Comment