pelvic fixation--separate incision or same?

[sheri66]

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[Back-out]

First of all, your films look great for all I can evaluate!

However, am I wrong in reading them to show that the pelvic fixation was only done on one side - Left?
If so, is this usual?
Also, how does this feel to you?

Oops! I see the one-sidedness is the whole point of your posting the Xray links. Hmmm. You certainly are right that it's one side (left). And I guess you explained earlier that you had a special anatomic reason for having it done unilaterally.
Guess that only leaves me with the one question - how it feels? Funny, I'd think this would make for an uneven pull. I assume with your age and bone density, that's not a problem.

Best!

[naptown78]

Pelvic Fixation

There is no separate incision for pelvic iliac screws. All done via the posterior incision. And you cannot feel them except for some hip aching during the initial recovery period. They are placed for extra stability.

[leahdragonfly]

Thanks to all for the interesting comments and replies! The reason I originally asked was I read -somewhere- that separate incisions were required. So I am relieved to hear only one is needed.

[LindaRacine]

In most cases, fixation to only one side of the pelvis is adequate to do the job. I think it's just a matter of surgeon preference.

[LindaRacine]

Linda,I only have bolts on left side where the second incision is.On previous post I said right but meant left side.

You still haven't changed my mind. I believe that your pelvic screw was put in through the main incision. It has to be connected to the main construct, so it seems to me that a separate incision would not make it any easier.

Ask Dr. Pashman the next time you have a chance, and let me know.

Regards,
Linda

[LSH]

My revision and the repair of L5-S1 (ALIF) was through the previous incisions
LSH

[elizabeth1st]

incisions and sacral fixation

In response to the thread regarding additional fixation beyond the standard perdical screws in the lumber vertebrae, I am very interested in the experiences.

You may recall that the surgeon in my case felt my situation was not so bad that I could wait. Wait till I actually am in pain! But the surgery if and when would include sacral fixation.

Any comments on life after that - activity, stiffness, pain. It seems such a drastic measure.

On another note - just to say that some of the messages are really informative and I have been impressed by the knowledge that many of you have.

Great social network
ps a short article in the local paper on scoliosis - maybe becoming a little more "visible"

[sheri66]

Linda,I had my 1 year appointment with Dr. Pashman he said everything looks good and Im all fused and released meI asked him about my separate scar and he said he put that screw in that incision not main incision.

[LindaRacine]

Thanks for the follow-up. When I see him next, I'll find out about the technique.

--Linda

[fashionista]

I saw Dr. Pashman and he said that I would have to fuse from T2 to Pelvis with fixation. He said it would be both posterior and Anterior, so it's the center back and the horizonal in the front, as described on his website. He did not mention any side incision was needed.

[jrnyc]

i saw Dr Pashman's fellow surgeon at Cedars Sinai, Dr Anand, last January...though i need T4-pelvis, we agreed to T10 to pelvis, as did all other surgeons i consulted with on east coast...using minimally invasive approach...side and back "pokes," kinda' like incisions, but smaller and spares muscles somewhat...
so, in the case of minimally invasive, both back and side are used...

now, if i could just make up my mind!! i have, actually...many many times!!
then i "unmade" it!

jess