Crackling sounds post TLIF

Posted by llannii @llannii, May 17 7:16am

Hello, I am currently at day 19 post my TLIF surgery (with a cage) for my L4 and L5. A few days after the surgery I started hearing and feeling crackling sounds from my back, same area as where the surgery was performed. I told the doc about it a few days later (by that time I was one week post surgery). He ordered X-rays, and compared them with those taken right after the surgery. They were absolutely identical.

He explained that the sound might come from the interactions between the cage and the bone graft. I can't remember exactly the medical terms but that's basically what I understood in simple terms.

The crackling sounds have not gone away. As a matter of fact, they show up more frequently now. I could just be sitting down, adjusting my position, or turning my head slightly - basically normal things you would expect a person does - when those sounds appear.

I don't think they are accompanied by any pain. I am saying "I don't think" because I still have general soreness around the surgical area, the same soreness I started feeling coming out of the surgery.

I am not sure if I should be worried? Has anyone else having done similar surgery experienced this?

TIA

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sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | May 17 9:30am

@llannii Hello, I had a t11 to l4 fusion in Dec 2024 and have felt little pops/crackling in the surgery area, as my back makes slight changes when I drive my car on windy roads.
After talking to my PT, and after she put her finger on my t10 and t11, we think it’s occurring near the top of my fusion area and might be from where my ribs are connected.
It hasn’t happened in a few months, which I’m happy about! It didn’t hurt but it felt weird and made me worry that something might be wrong.
Wishing you the best!
Sherry

shirleyhibb26 | @shirleyhibb26 | May 18 6:51am

In my experience of spinal surgery, when you feel or know something is not feeling or sounding right to you and your Dr doesn’t seem to be listening : get a second opinion!! I did and found out that I needed revision surgery. Good luck. Listen to your body. I’ve had 4 back surgeries and I’ve never had any pooping or crackling issues.

sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | May 18 10:43pm

Popping and crackling can be very normal following a spinal fusion. I agree if you have pain or concerns, definitely talk to your surgeon.

llannii | @llannii | May 19 2:24am

Thank you both. Those sounds are not accompanied by any pain. I did have a follow-up with my doc yesterday. Also got some fresh X-rays. He said that he could see some bone spurs around the cage. The screws are nice and tight into the pedicles, so he said there are no concerns.