The neurologist calls my condition "exaggerated thoracolumbar kyphosis with a positive sagittal malalignment." After discussion of the pain and problems walking without a walker and difficulty breathing his other questions centered on 'Does this bother you psychologically and how does it affect your social life?' ???
I also have scoliosis. Often children with severe scoliosis have their surgeries much earlier.
I have had so many medical terms thrown my way, both with the bone meds and thoracolumbar kyphosis I now keep a notebook.
I have listed a link to better explain the surgery. The surgery cannot be done with my bones in the current state due the necessary fusions to maintain the rods in correct position. Evenity builds bone the fastest so I must finish the 12 months of injections. Hopefully the next bone med will be tolerated better.
https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/sagittal-imbalance
Treatments------
Because the causes of sagittal balance vary from patient to patient, no two procedures are identical. The overall goal of these operations, however, is the same: to reestablish overall sagittal spinal balance. As the general problem is that there is either not enough lumbar lordosis or too much thoracic kyphosis, surgery is generally planned to add lordosis or reduce kyphosis, or both.
Most surgeries to correct sagittal imbalance can be explained in three parts.
Correct the spinal deformity: This is usually accomplished via an osteotomy or osteotomies. During this procedure, the spine is loosened by removing a bone. The extent and location of removal depend on a variety of factors, such as the location and type of spinal deformity.
Spinal fixation: After the spinal deformity has been corrected, the spine is fixed into its new alignment with metal screws and hooks, which is referred to as fixation. These screws and hooks, each of which attaches to one vertebra (bone in the spine), are then connected with long rods that are shaped to match the new spinal alignment.
Spinal fusion: The surgeon will implant bone graft material, pieces of bone that bridge gaps. The bones will fuse (grow together), helping to make the spine more stable. The long-term success of sagittal imbalance surgery depends on achieving good bone fusion. Note that certain lifestyle factors, including smoking and obesity, inhibit bone fusion.
Treatment o
@jillgirl I have scoliosis too. But I don't think my bones will ever be healthy enough for a surgery like that. Your kyphosis must be a lot worse than mine. I have fractures in T4, T6, T11, T12, L1, L2 and L5. But I am able to walk quite a long distance. I am visibly bent and have pain, but enjoy a long walk with my daughter in the city and walk about 45 minutes every day. Any chance you would get off the walker without surgery? It sounds very painful. Tai chi has helped me.