Question About Hardware From Fusion

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Precious55

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Hello,

I am 4 weeks post-op from a fusion on my L3/4, and L4/5. I have instrumentation and bone stimulator from bone graft. I'm still in much pain, but trying not to hurry things. I don't have a job now to go back to, so I can concentrate on the healing process. I'm 59 years young and have Osteopenia and soft bones. I have a big hard knot just below where my bra strap would go on the right side of my spine. I was wondering if the hardware could be slipping? I know the other knot toward my bottom is where the surgeon ended my incision, and bone graft was taken from left hip. Any ideas? I'm set to go back to the Dr. in a week
 
i don't thin that is your hardware. That's pretty high up for L4-5. That is considered lower lurabar and wouldn't be up that high. It could be that your muscles re knotted up...
 
I agree with Ibrakeandpray. If you look at a picture of the human spine you'll see how low lurabar is compared to where a bra strap would sit. If it's been there a while and is causing you pain you could try some heat (like a heating pad) if it's perhaps a muscle spasm or knot in the muscle. Do you have an appointment soon with your surgeon?

Also, just know it would be hard for hardware to "slip". In most cases even a small fusion with hardware means a plate, or roRAB, with 4 screws into the vertebrae. So although some people report hardware problems it's never a case (that I've ever seen) of entire hardware failure and movement.
 
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