@annie1 my surgery in 1988 was with stainless steel plates and screws before titanium even existed. My recovery was a long year wearing an external turtle like torso clam shell and PT certainly was not what it is today. So far I’ve been able to make it through life not needing a GI or lumbar spine MRI since my SS bars bounce X-rays and make them unreadable. I’m not looking to repeat recovery unless I absolutely require it, which is why I try to keep myself energized, exercise, walk daily and watch my diet. So far no one’s suggested I replace my bars after 30 years which is fine with me.