Transitional Vertebrae/SI L5 Spinal Fusion

[Dolve]

I am 39 years old and developed severe back pain 5 years ago.  I have had anterior entry spinal fusion at SI L5 for a torn disc. I also have a transitional vertebrae below my fused area along with mild scoliosis. Although the surgery was considered a mechanical success, I continued to have extreme pain. After many rounds with many doctors, my current docter believes that the fusion is creating pressure on my transistional vertebrae and its disc. I also have possible facet disfunction and damage to the sacrilic joint on my left side. This is the site of some of my pain. Apparently, overcompensation for these related issues have cause my pelvis to twist, causing more discomfort.

Does anyone know about or has anyone had a spinal fusion above a transitional vertebrae?

Are there studies available on this topic? I have a lot of literature about transitional vertebraes, but nothing in conjuction with a spinal fusion.

Please help!

[Neil_Hart]

I too have a transitional vertebrae.I did not know this until I first injured my back in January of 1998 and had an x-ray done. I subsequently underwent a diskectomy and hemilaminectomy on the right side and now have injured the left side of the same disc. After this surgery I experienced some pain on the left side but not enough to really complain about. I am wondering if the removal of the nucleus put more pressure on this transitional side. Now I have suffered and injury to the left side of the same injured disc apparently above my transitional vertebrae. It is possible that I too will have to have a fusion above my vertebrae. My main reason for writing this is to let you know you are not alone as I have often felt during my ordeals and to ask the following question. Has anyone heard of a type of fusion where they remove the disc and grind it up and mix it with a glue like substance and use it to help fuse the vertebrae in place of cutting bones off of the hip? I am gathering information for a future decsion. My uncle in WA had this done on 4 levels and after 5 months states he is feeling better than before his surgery except for the stiffness, of course. Thank you in advance.

[Zak_Han]

"facet disfunction and damage to the sacrilic joint on my left side"----
This is main cause of your constant back pain due to soft tissue injury around SI joint.and conductable pain around  your pelvis area and lead to it twist.
I probably disgree with your current doctor who believes that the fusion is creating pressure on my transistional vertebrae and its disc.

Deep and intensive needs can help.
Good luck!