Spinal fusion/Pedicle Screw Problems

[Laos99]

I had a l5-s1 spinal fusion on April 30,2010. 2weeks postoperative I began to have a severe itching/burning on my right foot (middle 3 toes/top foot) along with a deep pain down my leg through my calf into the outside of my right ankle on my right leg. I went back to surgeon and asked what was going on. He recommended trying and sent me to get a ct scan (after I politely mentioned it 3xs). The report for the ct scan showed a pedicle screw on the right side had gone through the bone and was sticking out and also there is a bone fragment (9x5mm) at the neural foramen opening between the l5-s1 level. This may sound absurd but after reading report I was thrilled because the nerve pain I have been suffering through is worse than any pain I have dealt with during first 2 surgeries. Well, the surgeons assistant tell me thatthey will discuss my films in the other room and get back to me. When they come in the surgeon tells me the films look good and clear. I am utterly confused and after he is done explaining to me that the nerve is still unhappy postoperative and is "misfiring", I ask him if there is anything physical onthe right side that could be causing this. He then begins to tell me about the screw and the bone. He states they are there but are not the problem. Neither one of them is touching the nerves because their is so much too
in that area. He refers me to the pain management doctor in his practice and also orders a nerve block for me. I broke down in tears because I can't even wear shoes on my right foot or have a blanket touch my foot. I'm trying to find a doctor to give me a second opinion. Has anyone ever had this happen? Any advice on whether this doctor is right or is my instict right and these 2 objects are causing my pain. Please help!!

 

[joebob254]

When are they wanting to do this "block"? You will probably have to be persistant. Its definately not normal in my eyes. I never had that kind of problem in either of my two surgeries for L2-L3 with the last one being a traditional fusion.

What I dont understand is if they see a problem, why the hell they dont fix it. I still have a herniated disk at L5-S1 that was done in 2005. It hasnt given me too many problems over the years however why didnt they fix it when they were in there? Same for you, there is a problem, they screwed up (literally) so they should fix it. I would think the bone would migrate and give more problems down the road.

I would highly recomend that you obtain all your medical recorRAB, operative reports and copies of the scans. You know as well as I do the importance of document, document and document again. Once you have those, it well may be worth paying out of pocket for a second opinion if the problem doesnt get better. I'm not one for litigation but that may also be a good third opinion.

I hope it resolves itself for you and wish you a speedy recovery and return to the road.

Good luck