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T10 to Pelvis Fusion. Experience, Comments Appreciated
I would like to hear from others who had a, or something like a, T10 to ilium fusion with multiple interbody support. How long was the surgery? What is a brief description of the surgery? How long was the hospital stay? Were the results what you expected? How long before you were up and walking as much as you were before the procedure? Did the procedure improve the length of time you can walk? Were you offered any other possible procedures? Any other thoughts/comments?
I have been evaluated and found to have severe Degenerative Disk disease, progressive kyphotic deformity in my lumbar spine, and significant sagittal balance deformity due to a complete loss of lumbar lordosis. This results in my inability to maintain normal posture. In 2018 I had an L5-S1 ALIF for lumbar stenosis, sciatic pain, and a left-sided foot drop. This procedure improved my sciatic pain significantly; however, it did not improve my left-sided foot drop. I spent one day in the hospital. I wear an AFO on my left foot and ankle, an LSO brace, and use walking sticks. I do not have radicular or myelopathic symptoms at present.
I often must use my hands and available furniture when ambulating to keep from stumbling and/or to straighten up my posture. I cannot maintain an upright posture without assistance for more than a few moments. My most comfortable position is while pushing a grocery store cart. I am relatively asymptomatic at rest. I can lay flat without pain or difficulty. I have consulted with several spine surgeons who have discussed thoracolumbar corrective surgery that would include multiple interbody support and fusion from my thoracic spine down to my pelvis. However, one surgeon opines that the risks of the surgery would likely outweigh any potential benefit. Another surgeon recommends the surgery, which has a high probability of improving my quality of life.
Imaging and Findings
GENERAL: The patient is a male in no acute distress. He ambulates with the use of bilateral walking sticks.
BP 129/70 | Pulse 64 | Temp 36.4 °C (Temporal) | Ht 6' (1.829 m) | Wt 83.4 kg (183 lb 12.8 oz) | SpO2 100% | BMI 24.93 kg/m²
FINDINGS:
Alignment: Rightward lumbar spine curvature measuring 9 degrees from L2-L4. 4 degree leftward thoracolumbar spine curvature measured from T12-L2.
Coronal balance: C7 is 3.1 cm to the left of S1 (normal less than 3 cm).
Thoracic kyphosis angle: 10 degrees (normal range 20-50 degrees)
Lumbar lordosis angle: 19 degrees (normal range 20-60 degrees)
lumbar kyphosis 2 degrees
Sagittal vertical axis: 2.2 cm (normal range -2 - +2 cm)
Pelvic incidence: 64 degrees
Pelvic incidence - lumbar lordosis: 45 degrees (normal less than 10 degrees)
Pelvic tilt: 39 degrees (normal less than 20 degrees).
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@jlssurplus did she also have rods as well as screws and cables?
@glassart
Rods and screws all the way up T9 to pelvis
@glassart
I just don’t know what to feel anymore. I’m 62 and in January I will be getting fused from my pelvic to T9 due to a previous failed surgery. The worst part of my present condition is my posture. It actually hurts. I can’t walk, or do anything that involves my back and legs, but my back pain isn’t that bad. Sometimes it can be bad, but I’ve learned to live with it, but I can’t learn to live with a posture like Quasimodo! And worst part, women don’t want to date a bent man! lol
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2 ReactionsI’m having similar pain. Surgeon is suggesting breaking fused L2-5, realigning the curve of the spine, then fusing with rods, screws etc. with this I sb able to walk straight upright with minimal pain. This will be from T10 to the pelvic floor. I’m nearly 79 and from what I’ve read from others a long recovery but worth it. MRI and CT on November 25 and then discussing on how to go fwd. I’m saying yes, as I can’t live any longer like this. I’m a quick healer, optimistic and follow PT to the letter. This will be my 4th surgery and hopefully my last! I say you shd go for it, you’re still young!
@jksawyers
In my opinion, if you don't do surgery your back will progressly get worse. 😞
With the surgery, you should be able to do much more than you do now.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Nadine
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2 ReactionsNadine, thank you for your response. I am certain you are correct.
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1 Reaction@jksawyers the surgery immediately straightened me! Not an easy recovery, but I’m just now 11 months post-op and I’m doing so well.
And just like Nadine said, if nothing is done, it just gets worse and worse as time goes by with gravity, etc. That was also what my surgeon told me and what kicked me in gear to get it done ASAP.
Best, Sherry
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4 ReactionsThank you Sherry. Maybe you can help me develop an outlook on my situation that will give me a reason to see it in a positive light. I’m diagnosed with heart failure, CKD4, and diabetes. So it’s doubtful I’ll grow to be an “old man”. Let’s say I have five years left, is this painful surgery and recovery worth it? Especially if it takes up a year or more of my short time left. Does this make sense?
Thank you, Jack
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2 Reactions@jksawyers Jack, It is difficult to keep hopeful with so many health concerns and pain. I am sorry to learn you have so many health issues to contend with. I think the question you posed to Sherry is a great question to pose to your doctors. I have had a fusion from T-12- S1. 9 months out. I continue to use PT and work on stretching and strengthening every day. For me life began to feel more normal about month 4. I still feel like a back patient and work against some hip pain but would do it again. The relief definitely outweighs how I felt before.
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4 Reactions@sassytwo - thanks for your response. I have asked doctors, I’m intentionally asking in this forum because I would like the opinion of someone who’s been through a similar surgery like I am facing. Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.
Jack
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3 Reactions