Has anyone had their si joint fusion screws removed and were the holes

@maggieflorida
I have hardware in L3-L5 and c5–c6 (soon to have more done on c6-c7) but I never had hardware removed.

When they do decompression and fusion, they can use a cement made from/using your own bone or that of a cadaver. If they are able to use your own bone, your body is more likely to accept (not reject) the cement.

One question I would ask is whether the holes really need to be filled. If the bone has fused, would the hardware holes cause instability over time and increase risk of fracture/future surgeries?

1. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/spinal-fusion-instrumentation-removal-pros-cons
2. https://www.osc-ortho.com/blog/should-i-get-my-spine-hardware-removed/
3. https://www.acibademhealthpoint.com/spinal-fusion-hardware-removal-risks-issues/
4. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/spinal-hardware-removal
5. https://www.csiortho.com/blog/2019/august/spinal-fusion-hardware-removal/

I've had spinal fusion procedures done at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels in my neck. The surgeries were done about a year and a half apart by 2 different neurosurgeons at 2 different hospitals because my first doctor retired. When they did the C5-C6 fusion, they used a piece of bone from a cadaver, along with a plate and screws.
When the second surgery was done, they did the same thing, and they removed the plate and screws from the first surgery because the bones were fused together, so they were no longer necessary.
I would assume the holes would fill in with new bone as time goes on, they didn't say that anything else was necessary. It's been 7 years now with no new issues so far.

@maggieflorida I have had metal plates removed from my ankle. They did not do anything about the holes as the bone will fill in naturally. I also had holes from a temporary cage right after the fracture that filled in by themselves. Holes do increase the fracture risk, so you'll need to be aware while you are healing.

Hello. I had my hardware removed from my L4-S1 fusion about 4 years ago. I was told the fusion was stable (MRI imaging) prior to the removal and that the bone would grow back. This was followed up with X-rays at intervals post hardware removal surgery.
Like you, I also suffered from pain from the hardware. This was pinned down with diagnostic steroid injections. My surgeon mentioned that since I am small in stature (just under 5’5” and 103 lbs) my hardware could likely be felt more.
I am glad to have it out and removal hasn’t compromised the fused areas.

Can you please tell me if your pain is better after having the hardware removed? I have worse pain after my revision surgery and the doctor does not want to remove the hardware. Two surgeons told me they wouldn’t do it. But I’m still curious if it could help my pain.

I didn't notice any difference, and they only removed the hardware because they had to go back in there to do the second procedure.

I've had 3 screws for my first si joint fusion. Six months later, they pulled out, due to a fall. My surgeon had to take them out, and replace them with 5 more. It's the best thing I had done. Never had problems for the screws to be permanently removed.

My hardware removal l4-s1 did help relieve some of my pain. I did not have an si joint fusion like yours though. There must be a reason why the surgeons do not recommend your hardware removal.
Ultimately for me, I ended up with another surgery to implant a spinal cord stimulator for the pain. I’ve had it for 18 months and it has helped tremendously. Maybe that could be a conversation between you and your doctor if it hasn’t already been mentioned. Best of health to you!

The holes fill themselves in eventually as your body remodels the structure just like would healing which begins from within outward.

I sure hope so. After 2 failed si joint fusions, I’ll have 5 hole in my si joint area on my right side.
I know I’ll have to be careful for several months while I heal. The last surgeon thought I would be very unstable.