Hooks parted from the rod

[Pioneer]

Hi Everyone. I had surgery in 1990 (aged 18) for a 60 degree curve. It consisted of a long rod and two bolts with 2 screws at the bottom. The operation was a major pain for me - in both senses of the word.

Over the years I've had twinges and 'toothache' type pain in my lower back. 3 years ago I bent over and suddenly went very stiff, I couldn't straighten properly for about 2 days. I went to casualty and had an X ray. It revealed that the bottom hook has parted company from the rod. It seems to be sitting about an inch below it. The doctor there (who is not a back specialist) said not to worry and that the hook wont move. He put the pain down to a muscle strain. This strange stiffness rears its ugly head every now and then. I can't pinpoint exactly which movement triggers it.

I already know that the top hook is dislodged but it doesn't seem to be causing me bother....yet!

My question is, do I ask to have the hooks removed, or the whole hardware?

My back is a constant source of worry to me lately. Having read this site, I'm even more worried. Lots of people talking about problems in later life.

I'm VERY shocked to hear that fusions are sometimes not complete. Back in 1990 I was assured that once the bones 'knit', the hardware could be removed, although the said that would only be done if it caused major problems.

Secondly, I have had very little support from any physio in the UK. I have done some weight training in the past, consisting of non spinal compression movements (bench press, arms etc). I know think this was maybe a bad idea.

My surgeon (all those years ago) did say that I should swim. Is this the best kind of exercise for post surgery patients?

Thanks in advance. I didn't think for one moment that there would be a scoliosis forum on the web, but I'm glad I've found it!

[Pioneer]

.......anyone?

[sweetness514]

Hi

Some answers to your questions:

Swimming-best exercise for your back. Walking and Pilates are great too.

I agree about being disappointed that the fusion in some cases doesn't heal all well, as you can see it happened to me. I also thought and was told in my young adult years that surgery was the final answer for my scoliosis, and I would have liked being told that negative side effects like additional surgeries down the line could happen. Oh well, doctors.

I can't answer in the place of your doctor what you need to have done about the hook, but if you want one taken out or replaced, I imagine he can fix only that one. I personally had to have all my incision opened and a new rod and screws replaced on the left side, but in my case my rod was broken and all my screws were loose-not the same as you.

Good luck.

[Pioneer]

Some answers to your questions:

Swimming-best exercise for your back. Walking and Pilates are great too.

I agree about being disappointed that the fusion in some cases doesn't heal all well, as you can see it happened to me. I also thought and was told in my young adult years that surgery was the final answer for my scoliosis, and I would have liked being told that negative side effects like additional surgeries down the line could happen. Oh well, doctors.

I can't answer in the place of your doctor what you need to have done about the hook, but if you want one taken out or replaced, I imagine he can fix only that one. I personally had to have all my incision opened and a new rod and screws replaced on the left side, but in my case my rod was broken and all my screws were loose-not the same as you.

Good luck.

Thanks for the reply sweetness. Sorry to hear about your 2nd dose of surgery. I too, was told that the surgery would last me the rest of my life, it may still do, I hope so.

As regards exercise, I do lots of walking but no swimming (I don't like it), however due to recent bouts of pain I've been willing to do anything. My personal opinion is that sitting for long periods is the WORST thing for bad backs....and certainly sitting on those awful bouncy sofas which have no support. I had flu a few weeks ago and spent 4 days in bed, then the back ache started. I think backs (good or bad) need to be kept mobile

[LindaRacine]

Hi...

You should see your specialist and have your curve measured. If your curve hasn't increased significantly since right after your surgery, it might be worthwhile to have some or all of the implants removed. If the curve has increased, you should talk to the specialist about having revision surgery.

Regards,
Linda

[sweetness514]

My personal opinion is that sitting for long periods is the WORST thing for bad backs....and certainly sitting on those awful bouncy sofas which have no support. I had flu a few weeks ago and spent 4 days in bed, then the back ache started. I think backs (good or bad) need to be kept mobile

ITA 100 %. I used to have MAJOR pains in my lower back and even on and off sciatica right before this last surgery in December(b/c of the couches, even harder ones, they're still too low), but after I finally decided to get a slightly padded office chair; it's a miracle worker for my pain. And when I had the flu last April and was in bed for a few days, the back felt much worse.