Harrington Rods Removed

[Guest guest]

Just stumbled on this group whille looking for some information. I had

a compression fracture of L1-L3 back in 1990 and ended up with

harrington rods. L1-L3 were fused and the rods go from L3 through T7.

I have had problems off and on for the past 6 years or so but it was

always for a day or 2 and always fairly minor. Well, after a motorcycle

accident in January I ended up with the top 3 " of the rods pulled away

from the spine. X-Rays also show somewhat of a degenerative disk at L4,

a misaligned spine below the fusion and the upper back rounded forward

(not sure what to call it).

Anyway, I am scheduled to have the rods permanantly removed 10-26-06.

The X-ray does not show too much bone growth over the rods so I was

told it should not be to bad. About 3 weeks off work and soreness for

sometime to follow.

I was hoping to get some info from anyone who has had this done and

what I can expect. I was also wondering if I will get flexibility back

from any of the upper vertebrae.

[Guest guest]

Hi Ken,

I don't know if any of us can answer for sure...but from what you've

said it sounds like your time frames for healing are about right

from what I have read of others experiences. I have mine in still. I

think, very generally, rod removal is not usually too big a

deal...although I have heard stories where the removal was far more

difficult than anticipated...so it is probably best to plan for the

worst and hope you get one of those nice easy ones that slip right

out.

You sound like someone who lives hard and fast...slow down on your

spine! Although you are not a flatback patient the condition of your

spine sounds about like many of ours....dics collapsing below

fusion, slipping spine, compensating issues above the fusion....in

short...the spine you have is the only one you are ever going to

have. GO EASY!!!

If your fusion is solid then I doubt you will notice much difference

in flexibility after the rod removal.

Best of luck. Let us know how it goes!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Ken;

Whatever is not fused will be more flexable. Whether it was supposed

to fuse and didn't., can be good or bad.

Six years after my original fusion, back in the dawn of time (1968) I

had my long Harrington Rod removed. The three ones that were

attatched to my spine stayed in. I was much more flexable after the

long rod was removed and less pitched forward (AKA flatback). The

proceedure was minimal compared to the fusion. The incisions hurt and

you feel a little beat up from them pulling out the rod. Mine came

out in pieces, which is usual. It took about 3-4 weeks to get back to

normal.

I have rencently found out that I am not fused in two places where I

guess I " should " be. Interestingly enough, these two places are not

really causing any of the problems that have occured due to basic wear

and tear. They have, however, made the doctors very hesitiant to do

any invasive treatment.

Welcome to the group!