Spinal fusion - 8 months later

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi everyone, I'll start from the beginning. I had a car accident on 20th January and suffered an unstable L1 burst fracture. 

The hospital I was in was very far from home, I'm only 19 (I was clueless and scared at this point of course) and by myself, and a doctor from the hospital told me this "the surgeon thinks that you would benefit from having surgery". This was after seeing my MRI scan, to see whether or not surgery or bracing would help my injury. 

I was ofcourse gutted about having to undergo surgery after all of this etc, but I was not given any other choice. The doctor told me that the surgery consisted of 6 screws and 2 rods being implanted to hold the fracture in place until it is healed, and he said that in a year or two, the metal could be taken out again.

That part gave me a lot of false hope! I thought, well if the metal can be taken out when the vertebrae is all healed that's fantastic I'll be just the way I was before etc... 

They never once mentioned to me anything about the surgery being spinal fusion surgery which I guessed myself after researching online after having the surgery. 

Despite having surgery on 1st February, I was never asked back to have a checkup appointment or anything like that but I did request medical records to be sent to me back in February, I only received them yesterday (23/09/17) and I seen that the surgery is indeed fusion surgery and that I have a loss of normal lumbar lordosis as seen in an X-ray after surgery. 

I am really gutted about this because I am only 19 and I know that I would never ever willingly ask to have fusion surgery. I wasn't given an option in the matter anyway, but the fact I thought that it would be taken out again and I would be fine was a bit of a relief for me. The same doctor also told me that a recent patient had the same spinal surgery as me and 6 months later he was signed off to go to Iraq to carry 50kg+ bags whilst fighting in the army. I'm pretty sure you aren't allowed in the army with a back condition never let on fusion surgery. 

I just don't know what to do now. I'm angry at the doctors for not explaining this to me, I'm angry at my surgeon for never even speaking with me, im annoyed hat I know my back will never be the same again and I would just love to have this whole crap reversed as it really is a life ruiner. 

What do you guys think? Should they have explained the surgery better to me? Should they have told me that there are complications down the line? I was also not told to take any precautions or told that I would have any limitations (I have loads). 

Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post lol. Any feedback is appreciated so greatly, thank you. 

2

I should also mention that the surgery was from T12 - L1 - L2. And as you probably know, this is a two level spinal fusion which makes things even more complicated 

3

hi,  they should have explained everything to you and aftercare advice is absalutely crucial with any surgery and especially fusion, you should also have been referred for specialist physio. I would go back to GP explain your concerns and maybe seek a second and third opinion on your aftercare, I would also do all the research you can on how to look after your back to prevent any further damage down the line, use these forums to get real life experience and not some doc who has never so much as had a twinge. I would seek legal advice before it's to late (3years).

I have had a failed fusion so here is some advice from me...

Don't lift anything heavy always bend through the knees, don't twist or bend, your discs above and below will now be under added pressure and you don't want more levels fused later in life,

Specialist physio will show you what you can and can't do but maintaing good posture and core muscle strength will benefit you long term, no more sit ups as you know them but there is alternatives just be careful as to where you get your info.

Listen to your body, if it dosnt feel right or hurts STOP

I hope I havnt scared you that is not my intention here but you really do need to take extra care of your back now, however lots of people have fusions and return to normal once recovered I pray that you are one of them.

When I was fused 14 years ago I was not offered any aftercare advice or physio or follow up appointments either so I feel your anger and frustration, I hope you have good support from family and friends and we are here to help to😊

4

Did u sign any forms agreeing to the surgery , if not u might have legal grounds.  Also I have what u have but I new excatly what was going to happen and I had to sign to say so. Also giving that surgery is invasive and dangerous why would any one want these rods in screws taking out 2 yr right it's unlikely this guy would get into the army. Also I've heard a very similar 💩 Story from my very first consultant (who did not do my last op) hence why I never went bck to see him, amongst other lies him and his nurse told.  Speak to Irwin Mitchel solicitor s there fab . They helped me on another matter still involved my health and I got a great outcome 

5

Can't regret the past...whatever the docs did or didn't do.  My daughter was 22 when she had a compression fracture of L1...body brace for 6 months...continued pain in her lower back for two years until they found out that she had also completely shattered her coccyx.  As a professional personal trainer, she was squatting 310-pounds and slipped...her spotter missed the bar.

The coccyx operation plus the L1 fracture affected her for almost 5 years...then she got off her butt and started getting stronger again...strong enough to battle breast cancer at age 35.  Completely cured now at age 40....and she still kicks the crap out of P90X.  From a former 5'2", the fracture left her at 5' 1 1/2".  She'll never be 100% ever again but at about 95%, strong and healthy, she's put it behind her and lives a full and happy life.  120-pounds of pure muscle and 4% body fat.  She put the episode behind her and moved on.

I'm almost 70 with a metal knee, metal hip, and fused L2/L3 and L3 through S1.  Can't even bend over to pick a week out of a flower bed.  But I'm getting stronger and trying to put all the pain and limitations behind me.  It's all you can do.

If western medicine can't help you, look into acupuncture, yoga, hot stone massage, natural healing oils...and don't forget stretching and strength exercises.  Do not internalize the anger...it's hurtful.  You are who you are.  Bear down and get as strong as you can be.  Live a happier life.   

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Hi Caroline, thanks for your very helpful reply. 

I know! That's why I'm gutted, had they have explained the full surgery to me I probably would have said no considering how long it has taken me to recover (not full recovered of course) and tried conservative therapy such as bracing first, although considering there was a lot of retropulsion of the fracture this might not have been an option. I still would not have wanted them to fuse it for sure, I didn't even know what spinal fusion was until after surgery when I started researching lol. I'm going to see my GP tomorrow so hopefully she can help, I'm sure this is a stupid question but do you know if it's possible to reverse a spinal fusion? To be able to take out the rods and screws and whatever bone has grown around to let the spine be as it was before? If it's not a thing yet I'm sure it will be in the future, as I'm sure people in future decades will probably be thinking we're crazy to think that inserting metal rods and screws into someone's spine is ludicrous lol. 

I definitely think i might seek legal advice because I'm very annoyed with the hospital and the surgeon for the way they've treated my case, I did sign a form before surgery but it didn't say anything about what the surgery consisted off. It only said things about taking tissue for records etc... 

If you don't mind me asking, what happens now with your failed fusion then? Can you get the hardware taken out or do you keep it in anyway? 

I did go to private physio and got my home plan for exercises etc. but I find that they don't do much for me anymore so I've became slack on it. Do you think it would be beneficial to continue with it anyway or is there not much point now that it isn't doing much? 

Im sorry to hear that. It's extremely frustrating that they only seem to care about the money they get for the surgery rather than the actual patients wellbeing. 

Thanks so much again. 

7

I feel for you...you are scared and annoyed.  Your reaction is normal.  Everyone has doubts about surgeries and especially when it comes to spinal fusion.  Sometimes the problem is that a patient doesn't quite understand what is happening.  I doubt if the Dr. would do spinal surgery if you didn't need it.  So now that it's been done ..I suggest that you voice your concerns with your surgeon and make sure you come with a list of questions because believe me you'll forget once you're in his office.  Also if possible bring someone with you and take notes.  

Have you done any physio?  Having a positive attitude does work to your advantage.  Make sure you follow the exercise routine that you were given.  

Surgeons don't have the best bedside manner b/c their patients are usually under anesthetics.  You have to be your own advocate and focus on getting better.  There's no point in overthinking something that's already be done.  

At your young age you have a greater chance of living a normal pain free life than if you were in your 50's or 60's since recovery takes much longer the older you are.

You might need some counselling for  how you're feeling.  It real and it is your pain so never be afraid to ask questions...there are no wrong questions.

Best wishes for a positive recovery.

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I have heard of hardware being removed but this is another surgery and if it dosnt cause any problems me personally would leave it alone, however if you want it removed after your fusion is solid I would think sooner rather than later as tissue or bone may form around the metal making it harder to remove later in life if it does become loose, maybe someone on this forum can help you better with this one. I know it's a lot for you to take in being so young but maybe you have that advantage on your side.

I would stay as active as you possibly can, walking & swimming are really good but again don't over do it, strong core muscle strength will definitely benefit you in the long term and getting out and walking will help your all round well being.

Iv just been to my GP to be referred for another opinion in regards to what happens now, my current surgeon won't remove the loose metal or re-fuse me and I understand that maybe he dosnt want to touch another surgeons failed work but he hasn't offered me an alternative, my left lower back went last night as if something moved in my spine and so I'm laid up again, I didn't want revision surgery but Iv been laid up for over 4 months now and it gives you time to come to terms with it and think about having it repaired which I hope someone can

as much as I'm terrified of another fusion.

don't forget 3 years is the time limit, don't leave it to late, take care 😊

9

james57451...I think you may have become a victim because you had faith in the doctor(s). I once had a great deal of faith in the medical profession but not so much now. We think they know...they are the ones to heal us...but there are some out there who are 'knife happy'. If I were the one facing such surgery, I'd want a second opinion. This is the spine you're dealing with, not a finger, wrist or leg. 

Most surgeons here would advise of the risks...what could occur further down the line. You are within your right to ask as many questions as you like. If they become a little annoyed that you're asking questions, or try to brush you off, then you say..."this is my body...this is a big risk to me..I need the peace of mind to know what might or might happen during & after surgery". If you still don't get the right answers at least ones that feel right to you, then you seek out another physician/surgeon.

Good luck with this. Let me know how you get on.

10

Hi Sympathy for your post! 

I've had screws and rods fixation at L1/2 but I was in my early 50's when it was done, however a professional sports woman and used to being mega fit...  I never had mine taken out, I didn't even know that was possible and can't imagine going through it!  I did however have to have further surgery because I had symptoms caused by one of the screws but my bones proved to be soft and they had to change the instrumentation type.

I'm sorry to say that although I did recover from that first surgery it has left me with limitations and more than 10 years later lots of pain issues and related symptoms ongoing.  I have also had other back and neck surgery since and I was warned that fusing one part can put more strain on another.  I think that as your injury was specific that is very unlikely for you but definitely at 19 you don't want to have to worry about further related problems and it's a shame you didn't feel more in control of what happened to you.

Sitting is my biggest issue with it which sounds odd but is a real life changer...  Hopefully you have youth on your side and my advice is keep really fit and active so that your back is well supported with fine core muscles not just chunky man muscles!!  My experience with nhs unfortunately includes many tales of woe and angry frustration, consultant follow up is definitely one problem area and also being fully informed. 

Now that you are not acute be careful that you don't get fobbed off, try to find a decent GP to talk to if you have ongoing symptoms they are more likely to give you time than a specialist, unfortunately you'll probably have to fight for ongoing specialist support.  On the plus side I think that some people do make great recovery and achieve pain free after back surgery problems, it is very different from one to another so don't get too anxious over other peoples tales just concentrate on looking after yourself.  Good Luck

Regards