T10 to S1 Fusion Pre-Surgery Medical Treatment Plan

Posted by Pet Detective @berniej1, Mar 26, 2025

I have been a frequent visitor to this forum for almost 2 years when an orthopedic and neurosurgeon both told me that I was inoperable. I was reffered to physical therepy and pain management.
During this period, I had no relief so I turned my search to surgeons who specialize in spine deformities. My scoliosis is MILD, it says so on the MRI's. But this mild condition has caused a tumbling affect all the way down my spine.
Finally, a year ago I found an orthopedic surgeon who fits the criteria, and he proposed the fusion from T10 to S1. That lead me to a neurosurgeon in the same specialized field who recommended the same surgery with a couple of differences. Neuro Doc wants to perform two surgeries over a two day period that involves three cages and rods, but he also wants me to take tymlos for three months prior to performing the surgery.
This is a lot to comprehend, but please stick with me a minute longer. Prior to Neuor Doc proposing this entire surgery plan, I provided him a copy of my Dexa scan, that was rated very very good with no osteoporosis, and one mention of ostepenia on my femer that barely qualified as osteopenia. I then went to an endochrinologist to review the dexascan and she provided her notes from that visit with the Doctor stating that no treatment plan was necessary and my bone health would not compromise the surgery.
The doctor gave no credit for the endochrinologists report, and insisted that a begin a treatment plan of Tymlos for at least three months before he would schedule surgery.
Has anyone else been confronted with this type of dilema? There have been studies on strengthening bone health prior to surgery that supports better outcomes with this (one was done by MayClinic). But those studies were done on patients who were full blown osteoporosis and would automatically be deemed a very high risk patient for this type of surgery.
I would also like to hear from anyone who experienced failed or revision surgery due to osteopenia or osteoporisis.

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

Profile picture for nlback22 @nlback22

Hello Darold,
I had a 2 day surgery in May 2025. On Day 1 my Sacroilliac Joints were fused--that was very easy. On day 2: I had 11 hour corrective surgery and fusion from T 10 to pelvis. (I have been dealing with Scoliosis for most of my life--i had my first spinal fusion T2 to L2 when I was 19)

It's a long recovery and I am still in that process but it is well worth it!

Since the surgery, I no longer have my chronic back pain. ๐Ÿ˜Š I am 68 years old now, and it does take a longer time for older bones to fuse. Even at this point, if I sit too long my back will hurt--but it is modest and it is completely different than my former pain. I also am still using ice packs periodically. My back feels best when I am walking. I walk 2 to 3 miles a day.

As both Sherry and I have posted quite a bit on this site and much of our experience and suggestions are chronicled, I suggest you take a look at the posts. There are many others on this site that have provided a wealth of information and support.

To find them: on the Mayo Connect page, go to the top search icon and enter the person's user name.

Mine is: nlback22 and Sherry is: sherrym25

Sherry had her surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and I went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

A key factor in one's success is choosing a surgeon that has done the type of surgery you will be having many times with good outcomes.

I am sure you did your homework. Be calm and know that you are in good hands

Best Wishes!

Nadine

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@nlback22
Thank you Nadine for your wisdom and best wishes. I'm getting excited/nervous, day-1 surgery is in the morning. Hope everything goes well, I will post when able after day-2 surgery.
Best wishes to you all!
Darold.

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Profile picture for daddydar @daddydar

@nlback22
Thank you Nadine for your wisdom and best wishes. I'm getting excited/nervous, day-1 surgery is in the morning. Hope everything goes well, I will post when able after day-2 surgery.
Best wishes to you all!
Darold.

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@daddydar
๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

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Profile picture for daddydar @daddydar

@nlback22
Thank you Nadine for your wisdom and best wishes. I'm getting excited/nervous, day-1 surgery is in the morning. Hope everything goes well, I will post when able after day-2 surgery.
Best wishes to you all!
Darold.

Jump to this post

@daddydar
Harold
I had my t10 to pelvis fusion done 3 months ago at UCSF. It is correct in saying "if you surgeon has done many of these surgeries you are in good hands."
All of my severe pain is gone and have not had any of the sciatica stingers I had in the past.
It will take a lot out of your and the long amont amnistesia will also take some time to get the mind back in action.
Plan a trip 9 months post operation to give yourself something to look forward to and get ready for.
Good luck and God bless.

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