You note “rods are separating at the upper thoracic area” and also note loose pelvic screws. These could have two separate causes. The upper screws, more likely than not, are loose due to a pseudoarthrosis (lack of fusion). Without a fusion, the spine pulls away from the screws and screws become loose. A CT scan will diagnose this condition and a redo surgery would be necessary to repair this problem.
If the screws are loose in the pelvis, the above could still be true but if there are screws that cross the sacroiliac joint (which are placed to gain a better hold of the pelvis), these commonly will become loose as this joint is generally not fused during the surgery and a moving joint will loosen screws. A CT scan here will help diagnose either condition. If solid lumbar fusion is noted with loose pelvic screws, removing only these pelvis screws will be helpful.
Dr. Corenman
