Spinal Hardware Removal

[Basvanth]

I had a L1 anterior wedge compression fracture due to a road accident. My T12 and L2 have been coupled with four screws and two rods(titanium) using the Medtronics Legacy Sextant 2 system. Post operative recovery was good. Its been four months now. However, I get severe pain around my T12 region, especially around the hardware region..I had no fracture here...I believe that I have no nerve defect pre or post surgery. Reports say the same too....its jus the pain around T12 is killing me now..I want to have the metal taken out...pretty scared of surgery..What method is recommended for removal? Recovery Period? PLS HELP!!!

[Basvanth]

Thanks for your reply. I was initially given two options i.e. 1.) Surgery 2.) Complete bed rest for 45 days(no surgery). I curse myself for taking the short cut i.e. surgery...is degenaration possibly in an young 26 yrd old male? cant digest the fact that i have to live with this pain forever...neither wana do drugs(medicines) like forever..do you know someone who had this stuff removed?? wht are the outcomes???

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Once fixed spinal hardware is rarely removed, since spinal instability and further degeneration can be a complication; besides the surgery is high risk as well. Also in your case it cannot be ascertained if the pain/ discomfort is due to the hardware. It would be best to get this evaluated by your orthopedician for an opinion and appropriate management.
Hope this helps.

Take care!