Nerve damage resulting from incorrect pedicle screw placement.

Correction to above post: I am unable to walk WITHOUT a cane or walking sticks.

I had a sacral plate put in that area. An x-ray showed that the plate has since broken in two and the hardware (screws not where they were placed.) This could very well be what is causing my pain to get progressively worse. However, no local neurosurgeon will remove these. (I had the previous surgery out of state. )

sorry for answering, because I haven't had fusion. But
Has the offending screw been removed. There is an endoscopic surgery for such, but you need a surgeon skilled in this specialized procedure. I assume that the screw remains and may prevent nerve regeneration. You might pursue second opinions.

Anyone have familiarity with a surgeon so qualified at Mayo?

Screw was removed January 2023. Noticed some improvement until about this past June. Met with a Mayo neurosurgeon last week. He was not optimistic I would see any further healing of the L5 root that was damaged.

@dennymt Something surgeons may not think about is the scar tissue created by the surgery. It can get tight and cause some pain. I periodically loosen up my scar tissue with myofascial release. I am a Mayo spine surgery patient. Nerves do take a very long time to heal. I had some cold sensitivity in my hand that was a reaction to a spinal injection (before I came to Mayo) that caused electric burning pain. The initial insult of stabbing electric pains went on for about 6 weeks before it faded to heat/cold intolerance. That went on for about a year an a half before the sensitivity eased up.

Here is our discussion about MFR which helps me a lot. There is a provider search at https://www.mfrtherapists.com/

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Mayo does have a couple chiropractors in Rochester who do MFR. You can find them if you search for "myofascial release" on the main Mayo website, https://www.mayoclinic.org/. They work in a rehab department.

I am sorry to hear about this. I am going through the exact same thing and I have no idea if the nerve will heal. Has it gotten better? I am curious - if the nerve is damaged will it recover. Mine is a screw in the Thecal Sac after the L4L5 fusion and same effect - Muscle Weakness and numbness in right leg down to my 3rd and 4th toe making it difficult to walk more than 2-300 steps without a cane to pull me forward.

@tacodawtwater39696 Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry you're dealing with weakness and difficulty walking. Nerves take a very long time to heal. I'm glad you're here to share your experience. I am a cervical spine surgery patient.

My update: the offending screw and hardware was removed in January 2023. Initially I did physical therapy 2/week, then reduced to one per week. Just now reduced to every other week. It is a long, slow road, but I am continuing to improve. I have a set of home exercises that I do almost every day that have been recommended by my PT. One way I measure my improvement is by distance covered in six minutes. I can now walk about 900 feet without any walking aid. I have a rollator that I use to walk up to two miles. I can ride my mountain bike for 15 to 20 miles. None of this was possible a year ago. Next goal is walking up and down stairs without aids.
The excellent neurosurgeons at Mayo Rochester told me that they could try surgery, but the risks of more damage far outweighed any improvement I might see. So, I am focused on what I can do and be thankful for that.
I am continuing to get stronger and see my balance improve.
Sorry to ramble on. I’d be glad to share more if you’d like. I really appreciate others sharing their nerve damage journey. It helps keep my head on straight, if you know what I mean!

I had hip replacement with foot drop occurring right after the operation. From the right side of my lower leg ankle and top of my foot is completely paralyzed with atrophy in upper and lower leg with bleeding in the muscle. I met with the second surgeon that will be there on my second surgery “revision”to remove the screw that caused all the trouble. I was told for the first time today after 4 months after the original surgery that the nerve damage is permanent and the removal of the screw is just to stop the screw from doing more damage to my entire right leg… I also can not walk with out a cane and I can’t drive or run. I feel you on that. Welcome to the party!

@jskibo777 Welcome to Connect. I wanted you to know that sharing your experience with a difficult outcome from surgery is very valuable for other members. I hope you feel support here and that it lessens your burden a little bit. When is your revision surgery scheduled?