Attaching New Rods to Existing Rods - 2nd Surgery

[gsamet]

Greetings. My son had scoliosis surgery 2 years ago to correct a 70 degree upper curve. The lower curve has continued to get worse so now he has to have a second fusion on his lower back. The new rods will connect with the upper rods. Has anyone had a similar surgery? I haven't been able to find any information on this particular type of procedure. I'd appreciate any input. Thank you.

[LindaRacine]

Yes, I have connectors. They're very common in revision surgery. It's essentially the same type of surgery your son had originally, but they'll connect the old rods to the new rods. Here's a fairly extreme example of a new segmental system being attached to a Harrington rod construct.

http://www.spineuniverse.com/sites/d...f_fig5a-99.jpg

[jackieg412]

Hi,I also have connectors. Mine look like a domino. A rectangular shape. The rods sit side by side.if I have a X-Ray of the area I will post it

[gsamet]

I would love to see the xrays if you have them.

[jackieg412]

If you send me your email address I can forward you some pictures that are different than the one that Linda posted.

[jackieg412]

If you send me your email address I can forward you some pictures that are different than the one that Linda posted.

Here are the connector pictures in place and the ones removed from my left side

[jackieg412]

THe little box connector is called a domino connector. The rods are side by side and fit in a slot that was in the connector. It has holes that I guess the bone formed in and held in place. The left one was removed because it was on a nerve to my chest. The right one is still there. I could always feel the left box. Now that I can see it in 3 demention I can see how it would bother the area around it.