Lamenctomy

I had a L4-5 S1 fusion surgery with Cortrel-Doubouset rod and pedicle screws in Oct "08. A prosthetic disc L4-5. I am still am having sharp pain in my low back with certain movements, sacariliac has flaired back up,burning or numb or cold sensations in my right leg depending on activity, Recently my low back as been popping with mineial activity  My last x-ray states posterior elements do not appear fused. Question- am I fused or not? Thank you for you help.

TxDreamn

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

This is not necessarly to be fused when our aim is to treat listhesis.. the treatment of listhesis is fixation and not fusion (fusion is the oldest naming maybe still used by some radiologist), SURE your vertebra are fused even if you still have some heaviness in the lower parts of your back.. this is suffucient to have screws at place to say thatthe patient is fused.
So dont worry and take a minimal dose of antiinflammatory medications
you are welcome

[Txdreamn]

How do I know if I am fused and area where fusion is pop's loud enough for others to hear?. Doyou know why?
Thank you

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

Fusion is probable to happen 3 months after any surgery including bone grafting, so no need to have a prove :)

[Txdreamn]

A related discussion, failed fusion finally answers and a question was started.