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Spinal Bone Stimulator Efficacy After Total Lumbar Fusion?
Hi All,
In July I had my Lumbar completely fused at Mayo from the L2 to the S1 in order to correct a botched TLIF fusion from my L3-L5 done here locally in KC. I have continued extreme pain in lower back near the S1-L5. Upon my first in person post op appointment in early November and detailed CT scan of my Lumbar, it showed that I am not growing bone in that region and, moreover, the screws are loose (lucency). Lack of growth, the doc said, was more thank likely due to the very serious E-Coli infection I contracted after the surgery that infected my Lumbar and moved via blood stream to my brain. I was in the ICU for a few days and then the hospital for the entire month of August with rehabilitation and IV antibiotics.
My surgeon told me that a bone stimulator may help. One was ordered and fortunately insurance paid for it. I have been using the device for a few days now. I am wondering if anyone has used one and whether it induced bone growth. My surgeon feels it is worth a shot. If it doesn't work, I am going to have to the entire surgery redone, since the E-Coli could still linger on the metal to the top. I loathe that possibility with yet another infection possible not to mention the rehab needed. And even if the stimulator works some, it may not provide enough growth to anchor the screws in place. Your input is appreciated. Thanks!
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@gregda
I have not heard good things about spinal cord stimulators and many want to get them removed.
What does your MRI show at L5-S1? Are there bone spurs/osteophytes pressing on spinal nerves? Do you have adjacent segment issues above/below where you had surgery? Did you get fused and don’t have hardware? Has anything shifted causing new compression (have you had a recent MRI of your lumbar spine and sacrum)?
I had L3-L5 decompressed and fused in 2024 and 3 months after surgery, I moved to roll over in bed and felt a shifting and pain in my spine and ever since have new pain/weakness in buttocks/hips/hip flexors which is caused by a new herniated disc and degeneration at L2-L3 causing severe stenosis. This is what they classify as “adjacent segment disease.” Lucky me!! I am a 56 year old single parent of a teen son and now disabled!! I am doing PT but it’s not helping much with pain (trying to rehabilitate lost muscle strength as best as possible with spinal cord/nerve root compression messing with nerve communication) so I will try a spinal injection (had them before at L4-L5 level which helped at first but then stopped helping) but anticipate more surgery because I can barely stand up/walk/do stairs most of the time.
Have you talked to your surgeon about revision surgery or gotten a 2nd and 3rd opinion about revision surgery?
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1 ReactionI was fused at l5-s1. It took myself 3 surgeries to get my back to fuse. I went to a teaching school where they put in a Ray Cage. they don’t do that surgery anymore because it was not a good outcome. I highly recommend getting a second opinion and not in the same doctors office that your doctor works in. Please go somewhere else that you think is well respected and has done many surgeries with a qualified doctor. For instance orthopedic vs neurological surgeon. I wish I had an answer. I know it’s hard but maybe pool therapy for exercise if possible.
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1 Reaction@greda
When you say your nerves are ' pissed' what do you mean.
My nerves were highly oversensitized when I was recommended for a spinal cord Stimulator. It turned out to be a very, very bad decision. If your nerves are irritated ( pissed??) More Stimulation will likely make them worse. Mine got so bad I could barley walk for several month/ was bedridden..research it carefully.
Mine came out 3 months ago...horrendous experience.