Guest guest Posted February 14, 2011 Report Share Posted February 14, 2011 Hello. I am new to this group and thrilled to have found it. I need some feedback, please. I had spinal fusion with harrington rod (steel) in 1980, at Columbia Pres. in NYC with Dr. Hugo Keim. In 1981 I broke the bar and cracked the fusion (horseback riding, I wasn't supposed to be riding but I was a teenager, what can I say). I didn't tell anyone for 2 years and I never had it repaired but now after suffering a fall last summer, it looks like there are 2 areas in the original fusion which are failing. T1/T2 disc is virtually completely degenerated and T2 is slipping. Worse is constant pain from my Lumbar/ sacral area. There is a small fracture at the bony fusion at L3/L4 which is now allowing movement. I currently live in Colorado and the doctor to which I have spoken suggests removing the rod or a portion thereof despite the fact that it is encased in boney overgrowth and is broken at the point where my spinal cord ends. Which he says is 'tricky' since touching the spinal cord could cause permanent paralysis. He wants to fuse L3/4 and fuse T1/2 (basically the top and bottom of the original fusion) and remove a portion of the rod. So my question is: Who are the best doctors in the field? Though I currently live in Colorado, I am not adverse to going back to NY to have this done or at least getting a second opinion. Have others experienced similar issues? Does removing the rod really improve anything? It seems kind of superfluous but inconsequential. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Lorna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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