Has anyone had a failed spinal fusion?

I had a spinal fusion in 1986 T11 - L3 when I crushed L1. This fusion failed in 1990 and I had Harrington rods to remedy this in 1991. I was in terrible pain in my lower back with a severe headache. I do hope your fusion hasn't failed.

@denman55
Is your pain localized to your back only? What has your surgeon said about your current pain?

Have you had an updated MRI/xray since you are now 6 months post op to see what may be going on with your spinal canal/cord/nerve roots? The pain could be tied to surgery or if you bent/twisted/lifted too much post surgery causing an issue with your fusion. It can take a full year or longer for your spine to fully heal and fuse with new bone around the cage/rods/screws.

Did you have open surgery (larger incision vs minimally invasive)? Nerves in your spine get really irritated from surgery plus your nerves may be regenerating from the period of compression.

Have you been to PT to stretch and strengthen your core and muscles supporting your spine?

What were your symptoms before surgery?

I had surgery 8/2024 (decompression/fusion L3-L5) and dealing with more hip/hip flexor pain than back pain. My back is still stiff and I need to stretch/strengthen core/back muscles. Like you, I have been worried something went wrong in surgery but also worried I have overdone things since Inlive alone with my teen son.

My hope is with PT and time, my nerves regenerate after being compressed for 12 years. I use pain creams (like voltarin) and Salonpas nerve pain patches which help you know what if there is inflammation and/or nerve pain. It is sometimes hard to know where to put the cream or patch so it is trial and error.

Have you tried ice or heat on your back or warm baths? Are you going to pain management clinic to help you manage your pain? You may benefit from certain medications like Cymbalta and spinal injections at the source of the pain. The MRI of your spine today will help to guide injections to the source of your pain.

Wish you the best in getting relief and reassurance during your continued spine healing. I know it can be scary worrying about the potential for failed surgery and lifelong pain. I am there with you with the same worry but taking one day at a time. I also am praying which helps me lean on God for His strength. 🙏
https://centenoschultz.com/spinal-fusion-complications-years-later/

Failed fusion means the bones did not mend themselves and can be apart from chronic spinal pain. I had a CT of neck-not spine-lately and it said I had a stable cervical non-fusion. However, my ortho had done x-rays 2 years ago after my surgery that did show the bones fused so someone is wrong.

I had a double spinal fusion in 2022. The fusion worked but left me with terrible lower back pain. I have tried steroid injections that didn't work. The doctor has tried trial procedures which also failed. I am going to try the Sprint PNS system. Has anyone had this done? I hope someone on this great site has experience with this procedure. It's my last option supposedly.

Yes -- I did have the Sprint PNS System prior to having my Laminectomy and Lumbar spinal fusion. It was prescribed for my lumbar spinal stenosis. It was effective, but it did not save me from ultimately needing a Laminectomy followed by the spinal fusion. I still have lower back pain, rib cage pain and bilateral side/hip
pain, which was initially diagnosed as SI joint pain, but after receiving steroid injections it was confirmed that it was not SI joint pain. So I am seeing my Neurosurgeon again this week and hope to get an answer as to what is causing my pain.

Good luck with finding out what's causing your lumbar pain, I would love to hear what they have to say. My dr. doesn't seem to care that I can't walk or stand for a few minutes without extreme pain, If this procedure doesn't work I will be getting a second opinion. I hope you get some answers!

Same symptoms can’t stand or walk due to slipped spine facet joint arthropathy having surgery soon TLIF
Maybe keep searching for a spine surgeon you can trust

I think I trust him, but I'm not really sure since he can't find the right nerves to inject. He has no personality or compassion. I will try the Sprint procedure, but I will probably get a second opinion.

Yes I think that’s a good idea you want to feel pretty confident after your appointment that you are on the same page

What is Sprint PNS ? I had decompression surgery only, but now I have pain in my left toes when I walk too much and can't walk on for half a day after.
They want to do cortisone shots but I have osteoporosis which gets worse from cortisone.