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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Question about post spinal fusion T-9 to S1
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Question about post spinal fusion T-9 to S1
by freedom1776, Nov 07, 2005 12:00AM
I am post spinal fusion T-9 to S-1 less than 9 months. The surgery was to correct spinal kyphosis with juxtafusional stenosis. I wore a TLSO to assist with the fusion process for approx 4 months. I have developed symptoms since the surgery that concern me which include:I feel like the Kyphosis has shifed to the thoracic region as I have the feeling of leaning forward in that area, increased lower back pain and lower thoracic pain, balance problems, bilateral numbness and tingling and pins and needles feeling in the legs down to the feet, clumsiness with hands as in precise small movements like grasping paper or a spoon, numbness in sacrum, groin and lower torso area, very slight bowel leakage occurring maybe 4 times a day, weakness in legs and difficulty in negotiating stairs, increased pain in lower body when sitting dowm, lying down and transitioning to a standing position, my legs feel heavy and painful when walking(similar to siactica which I have experienced in the past). I have started wearing TLSO brace again after being out of it for 2 months for pain control, it seems to reduce back pain from an 8 to a 5-6. Physical therapist has discontinued PT until evalution by surgeon. I am somewhat hindered in that my surgeon is some distance away and I can not financially just have a visit. I am scheduled to have an office visit within next few months. My questions are: 1. Is there a likelihood that these symptoms are just temporary or will persist? 2. The fact that TLSO brace helps reduce the back pain somewhat, is this indicative that this is a possible mechanical issue?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Nov 12, 2005 12:00AM
1) some of the symptoms are concerning, such as bowel incontince and possible symptoms of spasticity (increased tone in themuscles), you should not wait months until your next appointment, I would advise you to see a physician as soon as possible to exclude any spinal cord compression - spinal fusion will stabilise the area of fusion but the areas above and below can become more unstable afterwards - this needs to be evalauted with radiological imaging.
2) there is probably a mechanical component to your pain, but there appears to be more going on as in 1)
Good luck
2) there is probably a mechanical component to your pain, but there appears to be more going on as in 1)
Good luck
