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What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 30 3:25pm | Replies (222)

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@mlbobcat

I’m sorry to hear that. I had ALIF L4-L5-S1 fusion 11 months ago. I’m no better than I was before surgery and unable to work or do much of anything. I got new MRI and CT scans, but the docs don’t see any clues as to the problem. What are EMG and nerve ultrasound? I’m wondering if these might help.

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Replies to "I’m sorry to hear that. I had ALIF L4-L5-S1 fusion 11 months ago. I’m no better..."

@mlbobcat
Have you looked closely at your MRI reports to see if anything is called out as a problem with your surgery and fusion healing? Surgeons don’t always want to admit to failed surgeries and may tell you everything is fine/healed when there are really post surgical problems with fusion healing or new problems as a result of the surgery (nerve roots/peripheral nerves being pinched, etc.).

EMGs test your brain/central nervous system communication through your spinal cord to your nerve roots to your peripheral nerves and then to your muscles to see how well communication signals are getting through. I need to go get updated upper limb and lower limb EMG testing done. I had ACDF surgery on my C5-C6 due to cervical spondylitic myelopathy (spinal cord was flattened/compressed and it affected my arms/legs/bladder, etc.).