how long is hardware suppose to stay in with a lumbar fusion?

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nanatothesixth

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I was under the impression from my Dr. that the hardware stays in permanently. If not, then how long does it stay in?




Pat
 
Yes, that's correct. Fusion with "instrumentation" is a procedure where the hardware is designed to stay in the body and hold the bones together. In rare occasions, a patient is allergic to the materials in the hardward and the body tries to reject it. Sometimes the surgeon makes a mis-calculation in installing the hardward and it hits a nerve, or something else happens to make it too uncomfortable for the patient to tolerate...in this case, it will be removed. If the procedure is done correctly, the hardward remains in the body.;)
 
That was exactly what I was about to say;). Normally they do stay in for the rest of your life. They only thing that would change, because of the hardware, you might need a card to get you around the airport screeners 9although, nowadays, many drs. use titanium instruments and they are able to go right on through the machines). Also, when you go for MRI's, you will need to have them do it with the dye...in order to see problems around the instrumentations. If your hardware is not made of Titanium...you will not be able to have MRI's any more. Other than those 2 things, I would never know that I have anything inside of me.

Lorie:angel:
 
Mine has been in since 1993. All of the Orthopedic Spine Surgeons and Neurosurgeons I've seen over the years have said it should be left in unless it is problematic (having symptoms related to hardware, hardware failure, etc).

Karin
 
yeah, while the instrumentation isnt actually needed after everythings fused, removing it carries its own small risks (as with any surgery) so its generally left in unless its presenting problems.
 
I had L4 L5 fused 13 months ago. My surgeon told me that some do routinely remove the hardware. Mine does not BUT I did end up getting it removed 8 months later b/c he thought I may I had "painful hardware". Painful hardware is thought to be the reason for the continuing, if not worsend back pain following a fusion. In my case, it was unfortunetly not the problem. The hardware removal is no where near as painful as the placement but is still no picnic.
 
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