extending a fusion from L4-5 to L4-5-S1.

  • Thread starter Thread starter apartipilo
  • Start date Start date
A

apartipilo

Guest
Has anyone had an existing fusion of L4 to L5 later extended another level to S1?
I've had a L4-5 fusion ( 4 yrs ago ) , then removal of the pedicle screws ( last year ) because I thought THAT was causing the pain ( the surgeon didn't think so ).
Now, I still have pain and the disc below the fusion is quite degenerated ( no one is sure whether THAT is the pain source. Anyhow, I only have a few options left ( living with the pain is NOT one of them ): 1. spinal cord stimulation ( maybe ) , 2. morphine pump ( don't like this one ), or 3. extending the fusion ( major surgery but it MAY solve the problem ).
The surgeon suggests spinal cord stimulation but I think that just masks the pain-- it doesn't treat the cause of the pain.
I'm lost-- has anyone chosen the extending the fusion route and what was your result?
 
I'm sort of the opposite. I had an L5-S1 fusion in 1987 and in 1993 had to have it extended to L4-S1. However, with my first L5-S1 there was no hardware - so the movement to an extension involved hardware but that was a first "installation" for me.
 
How are you doing now?? Does having had 2-level fusion leave you very restricted in terms of range of motion? How is your pain? Can you function day-to-day without pain killers? Sorry for all the questions, I just need to inform myself as much as possible. Thanks.
 
I will tell you that I was virtually pain free for nearly 15 years since the surgery. Now I have some symptoms but I haven't yet determined if it's related to the fusion or just aging catching up to me. After the surgery I felt no difference in range of motion (and I have what is now consdiered "old fashioned" hardware - the stuff they use today is much more minimal - mine is huge). Since you've already had surgery you probably know extreme yoga type stuff is out. The addition of S1 to your fusion won't make any difference in functioning, flexibility, etc. If you were going up to L3 then you might find some slight changes, but L5-S1 won't change much for you.
 
Back
Top