[sperryguy]

#19375

Dr Corenman

I underwent a TLIF procedure on my L4/S1 in November 2015. It was tough recovery possibly because I over 58 years old. I am in good shape, lost weight, don’t smoke and only an occasional glass of wine. The pain did subside and at around 2 to 3 months the numbness, tingling, and some leg pain return along with the stiffness and a level 2-3 pain. The pain level would depend on my work day(office work). The surgeon did a few xrays and was satisfied. He said this is normal. However as the symptoms increased, he relented and ordered CAT and MRI with and without contrast. The imaging showed an incomplete fusion. He wasn’t concerned and said to strengthen my core muscle through PT. Initially he felt PT wasn’t necessary. After close to 7 months, I am concerned, and questioning the success of the surgery. What are my options? What questions should i be asking? Should i go for another opinion. What are my options if this continues? The instrumentation is titanium. Thanks again for all your help(posted pre surgery)

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#19378

A solid fusion can take up to one year but suspicion of a pseudoarthrosis (lack of fusion) has to be considered at this point. If a CT scan was performed, there are “clues” or certain findings that can convey a feeling that this will eventually fuse or might go on to non-union.

An electrical stimulator can be considered (called a bone growth stimulator) and this might be able to tip the scales to fusion (depending upon the findings of the CT scan).

A second opinion might be helpful as long as this fellow (or madam) is honest and not out to disparage the initial surgeon.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[biofreeze]

#19468

Sperryguy

Can you please tell us if your surgeon
used BMP in your fusion surgery ??

[sperryguy]

#19474

Yes though I did expirience spasms at around 6 weeks. Some people are more prone to this side affect. They gave me Valium low dose. It did work.

[biofreeze]

#19475

That is interesting. Thank you.

I’m suppose to have same surgery soon.

Most Drs say that if BMP is used that you drastically increase your fusion rate.

It sounds like you had a good surgeon. Let’s us know what happened regarding fusion.

This is a tricky surgery. It does sound like it can take a full year to recover.

Good luck !

[sperryguy]

#19476

I was told that roughly 10% of those using it have a reaction. My experience taught me not to push going back to ones regular routine to quickly. Walking is essential, and the best therapy. Rest, Rest, and more Rest. Good eating habits so the bone fuse properly. I also insisted on a service that monitored my spinal cord during the surgery to avoid issues. I was fortunate and had a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon working together. To avoid nausea(I was prone to this)or at least reduce the possibility, a night before I was given a anti nausea patch and then during in the IV they gave me Zofran. Works very well. This should continue throughout the week. Takes that long for all the drugs to leave your system. Best of Luck, and heal well

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