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  • cindy2836
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    Post count: 22

    I had an add on extension to the S1-T10 taking it up to T4 18 months ago. No I have not had diagnostic testing for pain such as ablation but I did have short term success with trigger point injections at T4 but would wear off quickly. The loose screws at C7 were a bonus find on tspine imaging. Surgeon said if it’s not causing me trouble swallowing we will watch and wait. This is the first time I heard non union at that C level. I believe the compression fracture which wedged within 6 weeks of the extension will never heal on its own without surgery. Then the kyphosis issue.

    cindy2836
    Participant
    Post count: 22

    I do have osteoporosis. Found on Dexa scan 4 years ago when I was 65. Immediately treated with Prolia injections twice a year and I’m current. Neurosurgeon is aware of that fact. I HAD ACDF 2020 due to both arms going numb. It fixed that. I had a revision of my S1-L2 when sciatica pain returned about 6 years ago taking it up to T10 cured the leg pain but within first year I noticed midback pain. Did thoracic epidurals no relief. I don’t have the answers on CT results. My quality of life has suffered these last 18 months. I’m in PM and take Tramadol 4xday. Pain is constant in upper spine at T4 and radiates in to my chest same level.

    cindy2836
    Participant
    Post count: 22

    Thank you for the info doctor. At my one year post op March 2022 my Ohio State neurosurgeon said he could not see a solid fusion. I’m asking for a CT now for our 18 momth post op. I’ve been treating my osteoporosis since diagnosed with it in 2019 with Prolia injections twice a year. Dr. Grossbach has told me he would probably have to take my next fusion up from T4 to meet my C7 fusion that is C3-C7 from 2020. I waa told I’m not a candidate for the bone cement procedure at T4 due to having fusion hardwsre.

    cindy2836
    Participant
    Post count: 22
    in reply to: thoracic fusion #33814

    I am doing excellent! The radiating rib pain is gone. My only real soreness was my front side and I think the positioning table caused some deep bruising on my chest and back of my arm tops. I’m very glad I had the surgery!!

    cindy2836
    Participant
    Post count: 22

    Thank you doctor and I will keep you all informed. I’m a little concerned about the pain level of recovery from this surgery but I’ve always managed before. I know the plan is to go up as high at T4 as he said he does not like to stop in the curve. I’ve very flexible now and able to do all I need to do to enjoy life and yes this fusion may limit some of that flexibility I have but if so then it’s worth the trade off to get rid of this constant pain that causes so much fatigue.

    cindy2836
    Participant
    Post count: 22

    Hello again Doctor, I had a new CT on Jan 12 2020 of my spine. I met with OSU neurosurgeon Dr. Andrew Grossbach who did recommend surgery. I would like to copy paste here my CT results. He proposes to leave current S1-T10 fusion and an add an extenton bar to it up to T4.
    Electronically Signed By: Joel Fritz, MD on 1/12/2021 5:03 PM

    Narrative
    EXAM: CT THORACO-LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST, 01/12/2021 12:57 PM

    COMPARISON: No prior studies available for comparison.

    CLINICAL INDICATIONS:67 years Female Cord compression; Disease of spinal cord,
    unspecified; Abnormal posture; proximal junctional failure R/O;

    RELEVANT CLINICAL HISTORY: R29.3:Posture abnormality
    G95.20:Unspecified cord compression
    G95.9:Disease of spinal cord
    stealth;

    TECHNIQUE: A series of transaxial multislice computerized tomographic images
    of the thoracic and lumbar spine are obtained with helical technique without
    intravenous contrast. Reformats: Axial 3 mm, Sagittal and Coronal.

    FINDINGS:

    Postoperative changes are partially visualized in the lower cervical spine.
    There is subtle lucency involving the right C7 screw. The left C7 screw is
    backed out, with component anterior to the fixation plate measuring 1 cm.

    Postoperative changes from posterior fixation extending from T10 through S1
    with bilateral pedicle screws. Bone graft cage is noted at L5-S1. Laminectomy
    extending from L1-L5. There is lucency surrounding the right T10 pedicle
    screw, now extending to the disc space. No evidence of hardware fracture. The
    left T12 pedicle screw extends through the lateral aspect of the spinal canal.

    Mild dextroconvex curvature of the midthoracic spine.

    Disc height loss and vacuum disc phenomenon is noted at T8-9 and T9-10.
    Degenerative endplate changes and small Schmorl’s nodes are noted at several
    levels, with minor superior endplate concavity at T12. Sclerosis is noted at
    the anterior aspect of the T8-9 endplates

    Vertebral bodies are normal in height.

    No severe central spinal canal stenosis.

    Paraspinal soft tissues are within normal limits.
    Also in scholiosis xrays said 22 degrees

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 12 total)