spondylolisthesis screw misplacement

I had pedicle screws placed to fuse L4-L5 three months ago.  Initial Post-Operative x-rays show one screw protrudes completely through the vertabre by what appears to be a full 1/4 "

I discovered this after obtaining a copy of the x-rays my self because during the post operative follow-up visit the doctor told me the vomputer didn't work in his examining room and when i pressed the issue that I woulf d like to se my x-rays he took me to his private office where he showed me ONE view of the screws... and that one view was from an angle that did not show the screw protruduing through the bone... I am in more pain now than before the surgery, but the doctor says it's nothing to worry about and that once i complete physical therapy I should be much better...

My question is: Is it NORMAL (as in nothing to worry about) that a screw went completely trhough the vertabre and is sticking 1/4" beyond the bone?

[cudacat08]

Hi,im a newbie here,but am seeking the same answer to the same question as you!
I had fusion Sept 07 L5/S1 due to DDD,Was fine for about 3 weeks,and have spiralled downwards since then.
Have just obtained my xrays,and it looks like i have exactly the same as you with the screw entering (poss)L5 and exiting L5 half way across vertebrae with screw tip entering healthy disc space above.
Im struggling to find out if this is normal,and am pretty sure my neurosurgeon will fob me off
If you get an answer please could you pass it on to me,any help i can get at the minute is invaluable,
Keep smiling through all this,we will get there :)