Screws removed post fusion?

[MaddySpondy]

hello,
it's been a while since I posted, but you all were so much help post surgery, thought I'd try again. I had a fusion of L5-S1 back in May, 2010. My lingering issue is constant nerve pain. I take 2 neurontins 3 times per day which helps a bit. At my 6 month post-op, my surgeon said the nerve pain may be caused by the 6 screws in my back and that he can remove them at the 12 month mark if I'm still experiencing pain. Has anyone done this? I dread the thought of another surgery, but don't want to deal with this nerve pain the rest of my life.
On a good note, my back is much better than it was pre-surgery!
Madeline

[KBear]

Madeline,
I've never had a fusion, so no help in that regard. However, I don't think it's that uncommon for them to go in remove screws for various reasons. I can't remember exactly when my extra nerve/ distraction pain resolved, but I'm thinking that it was gone by 6 months. Sorry I'm not much help, but I'm sure someone who knows more will pipe in soon.

[ajj1001]

Not had it done (my fusion never fully took place so awaiting another op) but I have heard that its not that big an op. My surgeon thinks he "nicked/touched/did something to" a nerve during the fusion op so I have had severe nerve pain since May 2009 but it has gradually lessened from 7-8/10 to 6-7/10, I guess it just takes time for stuff to heal and angry nerves to settle.

I would happily have screws taken out if I thought they were causing a problem and was certain that I had a good solid fusion in place.

[Cindylou]

Hi Maddy, How did my fellow-Minneapolisan enjoy our blizzard the other day?! lol I have had a fusion at that level as well, and although I have not had my hardware removed, like Alison, I would consider it also, only if I were certain that solid fusion had already taken place. Just my Good luck. Cindylou

[MaddySpondy]

Thanks for the replies. Now that we've been free of major snowstorms, the subzero temps have kicked in! Gotta love Minnesota. My fusion is almost fully fused, so I may consider removal of the screws.
Madeline

[Rob]

Thanks for the replies. Now that we've been free of major snowstorms, the subzero temps have kicked in! Gotta love Minnesota. My fusion is almost fully fused, so I may consider removal of the screws.
Madeline

I had my L4/L5/S1 ALIF with posterior hardware March 15th. I still feel something in my back that I am convinced is the hardware. I get some occasionally discomfort that doesn't last very long (minutes). My surgeon also said it's not a big deal to remove it and that I need to wait for the 12-month post-op mark. He said that 'thinner people seem to think they can feel the hardware' and he has removed it. I believe he said in ~15% of the cases.

He explained that if I had the removal surgery in the morning I would probably go home that afternoon; if I have the surgery in the afternoon they would probably keep me overnight. I've been thinking about it for quite some time and think I will have the hardware removed. Don't know anyone that's had it removed yet but I'm really not concerned about the secondary surgery, minor compared to what we've been through!!!

Don't know if that helps...

Regards,

Rob

[Cindylou]

He said that 'thinner people seem to think they can feel the hardware' and he has removed it. I believe he said in ~15% of the cases.

Interesting. I have never heard that said before but it kinda makes sense. I don't "feel" my hardware from my ALIF but I definitely "feel something" from my right SI Joint Fusion, that feels like it could be the hardware. Weird. CL

[Linda Molsbee]

I had hardware removed about a year after L1-L3 fusion. I could feel the hardware and had a screw break and one bend and split. I got relief and could tell a difference after removal. It was worth the additional surgery for me. I hope things work out for you and the nerve pain resolves without additional surgery. Good Luck!

[cheryl stewart]

Hi Linda, My surgeon would not remove my neck hardware. He said that scar tissue can form on the vertabrae between the throat. He didn't want to take the risk. I was in having another level fused and asked for it to be removed. He said they only do it if it's causing a problem. I was disapointed.

[Rob]

I'm currently in the process of trying to set-up a tentative date for the stabilization hardware removal. My doctor explained on Tuesday that one shouldn't underestimate the potential difficulties in removing the hardware. He noted that because I'll be under a general anesthesia I should 'plan' to spend two nights in the hospital.

He acknowledged that it's possible if things go my way, and his, I may be able to be discharged the same day, but that he would feel better and sleep better if I spent at least one night in the hospital.

Regards everyone,

Rob