After focusing on my lumbar spine pain for years one surgeon ordered a cervical MRI which opened up a can of worms. It seems I am at risk of spinal cord compression. Most of my cervical discs are degenerated badly. Has anyone here had fusion for the entire cervical spine for myelopathy and how did it work out? Are there surgeons at Mayo that focus on this?

Anyone had ALIF with osteoporetis? I wàs told by a surgeon I need ALIF but another one said it is risky with osteoporosis . Any experience?

I am due to have ALIF with laminectomy on L2 L3 and L4 L5 next Tuesday MIS. Had ablation that helped but not severe pain burning both legs from knees down to feet. Hoping surgery helps. I’m 81. Dr says young 81. Any thoughts?

My daughter has osteoporosius and after badly fracturing her back she had first 1 spinal fusion, then another 4 years ago. She had limited options because the break was so complex and she could have ended up in a wheelchair. The pedicle screws started coming out almost immmediately and she is in terrible pain. You can actually see 2 of the screws protruding from her back and she is getting wound care for it every 2 days. She had a bad experience with her orthopedic surgeon but no other doctors want to get involved. She has other health issues and it would be dangerous to have the hardware removed. Apparently scres coming loose is not uncommon, expecially with someone who has osteoporosus. As others have said, it is an individual choice but explore all options. Good luck.

I always get a second opinion! The first surgeon I saw told me I needed a 360 because I have a slipped disc (stenosis too). I have seen two surgeons since and they both recommended a fusion of L 4-5 and a laminectomy. I have an appointment consultation to see if I can have the TOPS procedure instead of a fusion. The recovery time is less and since I live alone, it would be extremely hard to take care of myself, my home and my yard for the first year. I had osteoporosis and just finished the Forteo injections. My back is now strong enough and I am no longer in the range of osteoporosis. Good luck with your procedure!

I am 73 and have osteoporosis. I have had stenosis of lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease, foraminal stenosis, radiculopathy etc. my main symptom is that my calf muscles throb painfully after walking even if it's just a few steps. I had a laminotomy to me without fusion but now I was told I need fusion however several surgeons have warned that with my osteoporosis that could be risky. How many people out there have had successful fusion with osteoporosis. I would need three levels fuse. Thanks

Hi @annie1.
I had a long fusion in Oct. for scoliosis correction. While going through the hoops to find out if I was a candidate they discovered the osteoporosis. I was started on Forteo and took it for 6 weeks prior to and paused for 6 weeks after. The HU score is what the surgeon went by to move forward with the surgery. I had chronic pain for years and had ran out of solutions. The surgery is rough and recovery is rougher, but I have no pain in my back! I have some nerve sensitivity but it is nothing comparatively. I’m continuing to take the Forteo and have had no side effects. I don’t go back to the endocrinologist until October and will likely have all the scans at that point. There’s a lot of information to take in. This forum is a wealth of knowledge. Wishing you the best.