Guest guest Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Looking for advice on kiddos getting spinal fusion too early. When Brett started his surgeries, I had a whole notebook full of advice that I cannot seem to find now that I need it. I want to say that I remember lots of people that had issues with rotating of the spine or crank shafting as they got older. If this is the case for anyone, would you mind responding. Our situation: Brett had growing rods put in his back in 2007. He had 4 lengthening and has not had one since 2009. Now they want to just leave his rods in and be done with it. Apparently, the new thing to do is to not do a fusion on immobile patients. I am not sure what to think of this. Brett would like 1 more surgery because he wants to be as tall as he can be. I thought crank shafting was an issue when fused too early and if that is the case, than I think one more surgery needs to be done too. I don't think they will do one just because Brett wants to, so I want to go in to our appointment in April armed with lots of information. Thanks! Kristal- Mom to Brett- SMA II- 12 years old Visit Brett @ www.our-sma-angels.com/brett OR www.caringbridge.org/visit/brettwilson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 I had old style rods put in me when I was 6 years-old (I am now 34). They did stunt my growth but they didn't have growing rods back then. Sorry I can't offer more advice. ~a From: Kristal <kkoehler47@...> Subject: Spinal Fusion " SMA Friends " < > Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 7:53 PM Â Looking for advice on kiddos getting spinal fusion too early. When Brett started his surgeries, I had a whole notebook full of advice that I cannot seem to find now that I need it. I want to say that I remember lots of people that had issues with rotating of the spine or crank shafting as they got older. If this is the case for anyone, would you mind responding. Our situation: Brett had growing rods put in his back in 2007. He had 4 lengthening and has not had one since 2009. Now they want to just leave his rods in and be done with it. Apparently, the new thing to do is to not do a fusion on immobile patients. I am not sure what to think of this. Brett would like 1 more surgery because he wants to be as tall as he can be. I thought crank shafting was an issue when fused too early and if that is the case, than I think one more surgery needs to be done too. I don't think they will do one just because Brett wants to, so I want to go in to our appointment in April armed with lots of information. Thanks! Kristal- Mom to Brett- SMA II- 12 years old Visit Brett @ www.our-sma-angels.com/brett OR www.caringbridge.org/visit/brettwilson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Like so many here, my rods are " old school " , having been put in 40 years ago at the age of 7. I come from a tall family (mom = 5'7 " / dad = 6'2 " / sister = 5'8 " / brother = 6'4 " ), but I turned out a respectable 5'2 " . While I can definitely understand your son wanting to reach his full height, I would really weigh the possible inches vs. the possible complications of surgery and anesthesia. One complication for me was a ruptured appendix that almost killed me. That came from my body trying to cope with post-surgical infection. Each surgery for me has come at a price, so now I weigh every procedure carefully and if it isn't necessary, I don't do it. Just another perspective to consider. Hope you get the info you need! > > From: Kristal <kkoehler47@...> > Subject: Spinal Fusion > " SMA Friends " < > > Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 7:53 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Looking for advice on kiddos getting spinal fusion too early. When Brett started his surgeries, I had a whole notebook full of advice that I cannot seem to find now that I need it. I want to say that I remember lots of people that had issues with rotating of the spine or crank shafting as they got older. If this is the case for anyone, would you mind responding. > > > > Our situation: Brett had growing rods put in his back in 2007. He had 4 lengthening and has not had one since 2009. Now they want to just leave his rods in and be done with it. Apparently, the new thing to do is to not do a fusion on immobile patients. I am not sure what to think of this. Brett would like 1 more surgery because he wants to be as tall as he can be. I thought crank shafting was an issue when fused too early and if that is the case, than I think one more surgery needs to be done too. I don't think they will do one just because Brett wants to, so I want to go in to our appointment in April armed with lots of information. Thanks! > > Kristal- Mom to Brett- SMA II- 12 years old > > Visit Brett @ www.our-sma-angels.com/brett > > OR www.caringbridge.org/visit/brettwilson > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.