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Scoliosis surgery: Harrington rod placement/fusion. Need support.

Posted by SueE @suee, Jun 4, 2014

I had surgery for scoliosis in 1973, which included Harrington rod placement and spinal fusion of most of my spine. I still have curvature and muscle imbalance, along with a "twisted" rib age.

Consequently, I have severe digestive issues and muscle hardness on the lumbar region where the spine is curved. I am looking for some sort of therapy to soften, so to speak the "hard" region, and to improve my posture. I have somewhat of the "flat back" syndrome going on.

Looking for others who had this surgery in the 70's for support and conversation!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

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andeee | @andeee | Nov 24, 2025
In reply to @maclyn "Hello - just saw your post. There are quite a few of us. I had spinal..." + (show)
Profile picture for Maclyn @maclyn

Hello - just saw your post. There are quite a few of us. I had spinal fusion and two Harrington rods placed in 1970 by Hugo Keim at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC. I am now waiting for flatback revision surgery. There are several message boards for folks like us. The Flatback Revised Yahoo Group is for those who have had or are curious about revision surgery.

And the forum at the National Scoliosis Foundation website can be helpful. Use the search box to find conversations about the particular things you want to discuss.

I tried to include the links for you, but this site will not allow me to post the comment with links. Perform a google search for each of the above, and I am sure you will find them.

It took me a long time to find the help I needed, and when I found the Flatback Revised group, I was shocked at the number of people out there who had my same problems. Good luck!

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@maclyn @suee I also had surgery with Dr. Hugo Keim in 1983 — a single Harrington rod. I did well for 30 years then developed flat back syndrome and degenerative disk disease in my lumbar spine below the fusion. I had a successful revision surgery in 2021 with Dr. Han Jo Kim and returned to exercise and an active lifestyle. 3.5 years later, my right leg began to become weaker and atrophied with no pain. I now cannot walk without an aid and I cannot do stairs. I have returned to my surgeon and other doctors (orthopedic, neurologists, neurosurgeon, etc). No diagnosis even after a year of testing. I’m very discouraged.

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csr9 | @csr9 | Sep 23 10:54pm

I had a fusion and Harrington rod when I was 19, I am
Now 71, with osteoporosis. I have lost two inch’sin height.
I walk with a severe limp and must use a cane. I am
Not sure what my next step should be.

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Sep 29 4:41pm

There is a special kind of physical therapy that is meant for scoliosis patients specifically. There are some therapists who are trained in it if you perform a Google search. The therapist must be trained in this technique.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/scoliosis/schroth-method-for-scoliosis;
https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/schroth-method-for-scoliosis
I too have scoliosis of both thoracic and lumbar spine approximately 22-25 degree curves. I’ve lost 3” as I’ve aged. I’m walking without any assistive devices and don’t plan on having any surgery for my minor scoliosis.

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