Posterior hardware removal

[Rob]

Hi everyone,

I hope everyone is doing relatively well. It's been quite a long time since I've logged on, though I've recommended the site to a lot of spinies! I'm doing well and my back is ~85% better than it was before my fusion (L4-S1).:^)

I'm now scheduled to have the posterior hardware (4-screws & 2-posts) removed because I believe I have some degree of discomfort I attribute to it. One the fusion is fused it's no longer needed, as I've been told. The surgery is preformed as an out patient and is supposed to take 20-30 minutes. If I don't chicken out it's scheduled for Mon 10/3.

Has anyone had this done?

[Justin]

Hi Rob,

Great to "see" you again. In regard to hardware removal: I've spoken to a good number of Spine Patients in the past that have had their hardware removed secondary to ongoing pain and most have done extremely well post-op. Many experienced immediate pain-relief and are still doing well.

Since the hardware removal is done as an outpatient procedure, you will be in and out before you know it--this should be a relatively quick procedure with a great potential to give you that extra ~15% pain relief.

I wish you the very and I'm excited to read how you do post-op. Please keep us posted, as we do care.

[KBear]

Hoping hardware removal gives you more pain relief.

[Kimberly]

Yes! I too hope this will help you.

I also had a fusion at L4-S1 and am very curious as to how the hardware removal surgery goes. I asked my Dr. and he said it's usually outpatient and the incisions would be much smaller than the original ones for the placement of the hardware.

But I too am curious so I hope folks chime in.

Best,
Kimberly

[Pbchoclovr]

Hoping the removal gets you that last bit of relief.

Like Kimberly, I'm curious about the removal. My surgeon mentioned it to me at my last appointment, with the disclaimer, "I probably shouldn't tell you this." He prefer to leave it unless it's causing problems. I'm still in the healing stages, so it's not even an option at this point, but I am curious about the whole experience and how much more relief you get.

Linda

[Catherine]

Hi Rob,

Add me to the list of people hoping it helps and that are quite curious! I have surgery scheduled on the 25th and I'm starting to get nervous, and wondering if I'm going to have to have more surgery to remove the parts they put in??? I've read your postings because of the spondy, I'm surely hoping it gives you relief!!

Catherine

[Cindylou]

Hi Rob, well today should be "the day," Monday October 3rd for your hardware removal. I wish you the very best with this procedure and I hope you will get back to us when you are comfortable enough to tell us if it helps or not. Here's hoping and praying that it does. Cindylou

[Rob]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the well wishes!!! Surgery is done!:^) Things went well. Surgery was ~1-hour. The battle wounds are covered so I haven’t seen them yet, but supposedly they went over the originals from when the posterior hardware was put in.

They removed the 4-pedical screws and 2-rods. No difficulty in removal. My back is sore but nothing like the original ALIF surgery. Also no fear of hurting anything but the incisions... I'm currently at home resting and working (emails, phone calls, etc). Took a few 10/325 hydrocodones yesterday. So far today only 2 Ibuprofens.

The surgeon noted that one of the screws / posts was a bit loose. They cleaned them up and gave them to me! Thought you guys may like to see the hardware for fun, only a spiny could appreciate, so I tried to attach a pic but not sure if I was successful as it was ~5MB. If it's not attached I convert it to a pdf and try again.

Thanks for all the usual SPS support...

[Rob]

Hi everyone,

Here's the pdf of the hardware, hopefully!

[trkdoc714]

It's great you're doing so well. I hope you continue to improve until this seams like a bad daydream.

I wonder what the hardware would bring on Ebay??

Bob