Zielke/Anterior/1989

[Zielke]

Hi all, I am new here. I was doing some research to find out about what metal was used in Zielke implants in 1989. My surgical records from the hospital do not have it listed and the surgeon who performed my surgery has since passed.

As I am reading through some of your posts, I am getting worried about potential revision and best ways to avoid it. I am not very active, but should I avoid yoga?

I was 13 when I had the surgery I am now 46. At what age have people had revision?

I am looking forward to getting to know you all and become part of the community as I feel it is something I do not really think about it but should as I age.

Best,
Fran

[Pooka1]

I just tried and failed to find what the material is in that implant. I would have to pull more references.

Maybe someone else knows.

[jackieg412]

I want to say welcome to the forum. I am not familiar with your implants. I would say as far as exercise do anything you can do compfortly. You have healed a long time ago. I'm not sure if at a young age you would be fixed to the pelvis. If you can do yoga, do it.

[titaniumed]

Fran,

Was Dr Zielke your surgeon?.... He is considered the father of German scoliosis surgery...
https://www.srs.org/newsletter/issue...m/full-article

It looks like this system was introduced around 1974... Are you in Germany?

If you have any x-rays you could post, that would be great. We don't see those everyday and becoming rare.

Chances are high that material will be from 316SS or a Titanium alloy. (316LVM or Ti-6Al-4V)

If you search in German, look for these designations. (316LVM or Ti-6Al-4V) This will be your best chance. Most of the older systems will be from 316 SS due to the manufacturing difficulties and high cost of machining titanium back in that era.

Revision surgeries are done on every age. Some of the children have multiple revisions. We have a teen here with over 30 surgeries under his belt.

How are your pain levels?

Welcome to the forum
Ed

[LindaRacine]

Hi all, I am new here. I was doing some research to find out about what metal was used in Zielke implants in 1989. My surgical records from the hospital do not have it listed and the surgeon who performed my surgery has since passed.

As I am reading through some of your posts, I am getting worried about potential revision and best ways to avoid it. I am not very active, but should I avoid yoga?

I was 13 when I had the surgery I am now 46. At what age have people had revision?

I am looking forward to getting to know you all and become part of the community as I feel it is something I do not really think about it but should as I age.

Best,
Fran

Hi Fran...

I also have Zielke implants on the front of my spine. They are stainless steel.

People have revision surgeries at all ages. I've known people all the way from their teens, into their 90's. Typically, people undergo revision surgery when they've run out of other options.

Yoga is an excellent source of core strengthening, so you're probably safe in doing that. You might want to check out Elise Browning Miller's program, Yoga for Scoliosis. (https://yogaforscoliosis.com/)

--Linda