I had a fusion with Harrington rod in 1976 to correct a 49 degree lumbar curve. My fusion runs from T8 to L4. I wore a body cast and my curve shifted to 37 degrees in the cast, but remained stable for many years. Then here is a general sense of what has happened:
1993 – minor car accident, not injured but x-ray showed larger curve and broken rod. I don’t know when the rod broke.
1998- exam shows curve of 42 degrees
2014 – curve still at 42 degrees
Last month: I noticed a sudden shift in the degree of deformity, got in to see the NP at my specialist's office, curve is now 48 degrees. It will take 4 months to get in to see the doctor.
So my curve has changed 6 degrees in 4 years. I have zero pain or limitations of activity, but I’m very concerned about it progressing 1-2 degrees per year. I’m 64/almost 65 and have osteoporosis, though the NP said that my bone quality looks good due to treatment I’ve been on. I would not be exactly thrilled about jumping into a big surgery, esp. at this age, but what would my quality of life be if my curve keeps progressing? Pretty much all of my relatives have lived into their 90s and I can’t imagine having a 70+ degree curve later in life.
Does anyone know what the best practices are in a case like mine?
Thanks,
Irene
1993 – minor car accident, not injured but x-ray showed larger curve and broken rod. I don’t know when the rod broke.
1998- exam shows curve of 42 degrees
2014 – curve still at 42 degrees
Last month: I noticed a sudden shift in the degree of deformity, got in to see the NP at my specialist's office, curve is now 48 degrees. It will take 4 months to get in to see the doctor.
So my curve has changed 6 degrees in 4 years. I have zero pain or limitations of activity, but I’m very concerned about it progressing 1-2 degrees per year. I’m 64/almost 65 and have osteoporosis, though the NP said that my bone quality looks good due to treatment I’ve been on. I would not be exactly thrilled about jumping into a big surgery, esp. at this age, but what would my quality of life be if my curve keeps progressing? Pretty much all of my relatives have lived into their 90s and I can’t imagine having a 70+ degree curve later in life.
Does anyone know what the best practices are in a case like mine?
Thanks,
Irene
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