So glad I found you guys!

[Elisa]

I sort of understand the release part, but I don't understand what they're doing with the screws. Do those attach to something? Or ???

The screws go in first and then the rods are slipped through them when he gets his second fusion/instumentation surgery.

[Elisa]

Here's a pic of a pedicle screw to give you an idea of what they look like and how the rods slip onto them.

[LindaRacine]

I sort of understand the release part, but I don't understand what they're doing with the screws. Do those attach to something? Or ???

Once they've gotten as much correction as possible from the weights, they'll go back in and add the rods and fuse the spine.

Linda

[Elisa]

Ah, I see. So they just put them in in the first surgery, and then hook them up in the second surgery.

Not sure if they always put them in, in the first surgery. I think they usually put them in during the second surgery but Dr. K. said since the surgery was relatively short (about 2 hours) and everything was "looking good" he went ahead and put some screws in. He will be putting the rest in during the second surgery. I think he has 10 more to go but don't quote me on that. His fusion will go from T-2/3 to L1, so however many screws that usually takes then that's how many he'll get.

His incision looks REALLY good too and is about 9" long but I'm thinking it might be longer after the second surgery but again I'm not really sure. I'm just taking things a step at a time.

[LindaRacine]

Ah, I see. So they just put them in in the first surgery, and then hook them up in the second surgery.

Yes, as Elisa mentioned, it's usually a time thing. Also, since they often have to use a lot of radiology during the first surgery, to be certain about landmarks, they can use that information for placement of screws.

[JenniferG]

OMG that's one very big curve he had there. And what a marvellous procedure it is, that's taking place. These surgeons' skills are utterly amazing.

Marvelling at the updates.

[Elisa]

OMG that's one very big curve he had there. And what a marvellous procedure it is, that's taking place. These surgeons' skills are utterly amazing.

Marvelling at the updates.

I know his back was looking really bad just before we got down here but seeing the actual x-ray is still quite shocking to me. And those nasty red stretch marks that were on his right side caused from the skin being so pulled over his ribs are now positioned on his back. They must have shifted a good 3" or more. Looking forward to getting the results of his next x-ray.

[jrnyc]

hey Elisa
most of what i found on internet was research summaries from medical journals....
nothing quick and easy to understand...and other articles that were kind of confusing...you actually explained it pretty well!

jess

[titaniumed]

Woah!... the pre x-ray is amazing! Elias needed surgery, no doubt.

Inserting the screws into the apex of the curve 4 weeks before they actually have to handle any stress seems like a good idea. This way the bone can grow and solidify around the threads and create a solid anchor. Screws don’t normally pull out, but this method gives them a head start in healing. Dividing surgical time is also advantageous.

He has to gain at least 4 inches....When I popped up 4 inches, all the people that were slightly taller than me, now had to look up at me. I would say, “You must have something wrong with your spine, your shrinking” “Do you have scoliosis? You might want to get that checked out”. I had a ton of fun with it.

People notice when you suddenly grow that fast. Some really wonder, and repeatedly ask, how did this happen?
You ever hear of scoliosis? It’s a long story....
Ed

[Elisa]

Inserting the screws into the apex of the curve 4 weeks before they actually have to handle any stress seems like a good idea. This way the bone can grow and solidify around the threads and create a solid anchor. Screws don’t normally pull out, but this method gives them a head start in healing. Dividing surgical time is also advantageous.

Ed

Yes, "getting a head start" is exactly what Dr. K. said about inserting the screws at the apex but I thought he said he put in 2 but there's 8. I am really liking this three-stage procedure even though it is a much slower process. He explained to me that by doing it this way it is a:

gentler approach
shorter surgeries
less trauma
less blood loss
less risky
better correction

I LOVE this guy!!

That's funny about suddenly growing taller Ed. I know when we get back home that others will definitely notice, especially the kids at school as Elias had actually lost an inch in the previous two months. He measured 5'7" on March 21st. and I can tell already he's gained a few and no doubt will gain a bit more after his final surgery when they will measure him again. Also, with this halo traction, his neck does look longer too but I'm not sure if that's temporary and will change when the traction is taken off. We'll see.

[jrnyc]

wish i could have seen their faces, Ed!

what a nice benefit for Elias...standing tall and strong when this is all completed!

jess

[titaniumed]

Elisa

Be sure to tell them that you have a sore throat and feel sick.....you are not allowed to do that! He he

Heck, they might have to check you into the hospital. Or, kick you out! LOL

Ed

[Elisa]

I did mention it Ed and I'm trying to keep my distance from Elias and sneeze into my arm and am using major amounts of hand sanitizer etc. I don't really think it will develop into much as it usually doesn't, just a couple of days of sniffles/headache and then it's gone. Thing is I left all my cold medication at home and these guys aren't allowed to give the parents nothin' other than ginger ale and they don't even have that. I am on my own.

[titaniumed]

Jess

I had one person who was speechless! He just couldn’t fathom how it was possible....A Chinese engineer, I could just see him talking to himself, “Impossible for spine stretch 4 inches” He really wanted an answer, and sat down with him and taught him about scoliosis. There are many people out there who don’t know about scoliosis, yet it happens to so many of us. Funny how it seems that there are quite a few “scoli” surgeons on the scene today, 10 years ago, it was just a few......

Elisa

Lets hope you can shake this.

Years ago, there was a book titled “Confessions of a medical heretic” It mentioned that if you wanted to look for germs, the best place would be a hospital. The ventilating system to be exact. I don’t know how Doctors and Nurses deal with this, they really have to keep their immune systems strong.....

Ed

[Pooka1]

I recall being amazed when my daughters stood up for the first time post-op. They were already taller than me pre-op but seemed to get much taller than me after.

I think you will be amazed at the instant height increase also.

By the way, this newsflash came in on the wire sometime during the night...

newsflash