Unstable Fracture of T12 - Advice Needed Please

[sneakypuss_01]

Hi There

I am a 36 yr old female who, in 1995, suffered a compression fracture of the T12. It was a significant compression, as I lost nearly half of the anterior height of the vertebral body and there was a signifcation disruption to the soft tissue stabilsers of the posterior coloumn of the spine at this level.  It was therefore regarded as an 'unstable fracture'. The Surgeon performed an internal fixation using the scoon device with pedicle screws and a fusion from T11 - L1 using a graft from my hip.  At the time of the injury I suffered 'no neurological deficit'

Over the past year or so, I have been experiencing some odd sensations in my legs and feet which include numbness, tingling and burning.  On examination, it was discovered that I have the 'lost' reflexes in my lower legs, when the DR hits me with the hammer, nothing happens.  It was also discovered that I have a 'positive babinski' on my right foot.

My neurosurgeon has performed an MRI but was unable to get a clear result due to the hardware in my spine.  He has suggested I have nerve conduction tests, or as a last resort, have surgery to remove the hardware and then get put back into the MRI

It was my understanding that the hardware in my spine was never to be removed, but should I consider having it removed so that a proper MRI can be conducted?  Also, should I be concerned about the possibility of nerve damage 12 years after my injury?

Thanks

[sneakypuss_01]

Hi Medic

Thank you for your prompt in-put.  I see the neurosurgeon again on Thursday, so I will request the nerve conduction tests before any surgeries are discussed.

As you would know, back surgery isnt fun, and with a 10 month old at home, it just isnt an option at the moment.

Thanks Again

Regards
Sneaks

[usarmymedic1]

i say have the emg/ncv and take it from there that will tell which nerve is compressed so your not haveing a blind surgery on your back.. if the ncv is positive the talk about surgery were the ncv is showing the compression

in a fussion the hardware can be removed after so long and the bone graft has taken it wont do any damage to the repair but does have it's own cons.

I would not have a blind surgery without further test done ( i have had 2 back surgeries)

medic