Question 1

i recently had a anterior lumbar fusion . i had a slipped vertebrae in my back and they put a metal cage in.i've been having pain by my hip area. why?

Accepted Answer

Variety of reasons: You may have hip pain from the site of the bone graft harvest, if that was done. Your surgeon can determine if there is any new or residual nerve impingement from the implants. Realigning the back can also cause temporary discomfort. 

I recommend that you see your surgeon to determine the cause of your post-op hip pain.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: fusion of neck vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

See below.: In an anterior fusion of the cervical spine, the disc is removed and replaced with a spacer of one type or another that does not allow motion to occur.  A plate may be added to further strengthen the area.  Over the course of a 6-12 weeks period, bone grows from one vertebrae, through the spacer, to the other vertebrae; permanently restricting motion at that level.

Question 3

can you break vertebrae after lumbar fusion?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Trauma of any kind can cause vertebral fractures.
There can also be problems with bone density causing fractures with minimal trauma.  To have the fracture as a result of the fusion would be unusual but not impossible.

Question 4

is a laminectomy or vertebrae fusion or both any good to relieve back pain?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the pain: Back pain can be caused by many sources: muscles, nerves, discs, joints etc. In the back.  If your particular pain is caused by nerve compression as might be seen on an mri, a laminectomy procedure to remove the pressure can greatly relive pain.  An epidural injection often helps predict how well a laminectomy might work. Fusion is preferred when there is instability or seve joint or disc problems.

Question 5

can you explain the procedure c5 c6 vertebrae bone spur removal when you have already um fusion?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal foraminotomy: If c5/6 have been fused already, this was done from the front. If there is residual pressure on the C6 nerve root (the bone spur you refer to), this can be addressed from the back of the neck. Usually, using microscope or endoscope through a small access tube, the facet joint overlying the nerve root is identified. Then, a small opening is made to identify and decompress the nerve root.

Question 6

broken l3 vertebrae after spinal fusion at l4-5 3 years ago is there any relationship?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Fusion increases stress to vertebral bodies above and below the fusion so fracture risk in those areas is increased. You should also have a bone density study (dexa scan) done if you have not had one in the last 2 years.

Question 7

what is the recovery period after a spinal stenosis decompression and fusion on all 5 lumbar vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Wouldn't speculate: The recovery period itself will depend on a multitude of factors that only your treatment team will be aware of. These include you baseline health prior to the procedure. The duration &amp; any complications during the procedure from surgery or the anesthesia. It will be influenced by your efforts during any rehabilitation. I would ask this of your treatment team.

Question 8

can my son play football if he has congenital fusion of c5-c6 and partial fusion of c2-c3 vertebral bodies? he has been playing for 7 years w/no issue

Accepted Answer

Football: Your question is not one that can be answered on a health blog. Your son should be evaluated by a health team consisting of an orthopedist, neurologist , and possibly a neurosurgeon. Good luck!

Question 9

i had lumbar spinal fusion surgery 14 days ago.  it involved the lowest three lumbar vertebrae and the highest level sacral vertebrae; four adjacent vertebra in all.  how far should i be walking and how frequently should i be walking?

Accepted Answer

Not so simple: Walking is an excellent vehicle for rehab., but a custom designed program should start now.  A physical therapist should evaluate your capacities, strength, and flexibility, and design a graduated progressive program to maximize your abilities but not injure by excessive exercise.  Advising you on how to excercise via this format in not feasible due to variations from person to person.

Question 10

why am i having major popping and large cracking throughout my t2-l1 spinal fusion? it feels different then soft tissue catching on the screws like more in the vertebrae joints in my 11 spine levels that i had surgery on. is this failed fusion?

Accepted Answer

: This is an important question for your surgeon to answer .

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Doctor answers about:

Anterior vertebral fusion

A member asked:

I recently had a anterior lumbar fusion . i had a slipped vertebrae in my back and they put a metal cage in.i've been having pain by my hip area. why?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: fusion of neck vertebrae?

A member asked:

Can you break vertebrae after lumbar fusion?

A member asked:

Is a laminectomy or vertebrae fusion or both any good to relieve back pain?

A member asked:

Can you explain the procedure c5 c6 vertebrae bone spur removal when you have already um fusion?

A member asked:

Broken l3 vertebrae after spinal fusion at l4-5 3 years ago is there any relationship?

A member asked:

What is the recovery period after a spinal stenosis decompression and fusion on all 5 lumbar vertebrae?

A member asked:

Can my son play football if he has congenital fusion of c5-c6 and partial fusion of c2-c3 vertebral bodies? he has been playing for 7 years w/no issue

A member asked:

I had lumbar spinal fusion surgery 14 days ago. it involved the lowest three lumbar vertebrae and the highest level sacral vertebrae; four adjacent vertebra in all. how far should i be walking and how frequently should i be walking?

A member asked:

Why am i having major popping and large cracking throughout my t2-l1 spinal fusion? it feels different then soft tissue catching on the screws like more in the vertebrae joints in my 11 spine levels that i had surgery on. is this failed fusion?

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