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T10 to Pelvis Fusion. Experience, Comments Appreciated
I would like to hear from others who had a, or something like a, T10 to ilium fusion with multiple interbody support. How long was the surgery? What is a brief description of the surgery? How long was the hospital stay? Were the results what you expected? How long before you were up and walking as much as you were before the procedure? Did the procedure improve the length of time you can walk? Were you offered any other possible procedures? Any other thoughts/comments?
I have been evaluated and found to have severe Degenerative Disk disease, progressive kyphotic deformity in my lumbar spine, and significant sagittal balance deformity due to a complete loss of lumbar lordosis. This results in my inability to maintain normal posture. In 2018 I had an L5-S1 ALIF for lumbar stenosis, sciatic pain, and a left-sided foot drop. This procedure improved my sciatic pain significantly; however, it did not improve my left-sided foot drop. I spent one day in the hospital. I wear an AFO on my left foot and ankle, an LSO brace, and use walking sticks. I do not have radicular or myelopathic symptoms at present.
I often must use my hands and available furniture when ambulating to keep from stumbling and/or to straighten up my posture. I cannot maintain an upright posture without assistance for more than a few moments. My most comfortable position is while pushing a grocery store cart. I am relatively asymptomatic at rest. I can lay flat without pain or difficulty. I have consulted with several spine surgeons who have discussed thoracolumbar corrective surgery that would include multiple interbody support and fusion from my thoracic spine down to my pelvis. However, one surgeon opines that the risks of the surgery would likely outweigh any potential benefit. Another surgeon recommends the surgery, which has a high probability of improving my quality of life.
Imaging and Findings
GENERAL: The patient is a male in no acute distress. He ambulates with the use of bilateral walking sticks.
BP 129/70 | Pulse 64 | Temp 36.4 °C (Temporal) | Ht 6' (1.829 m) | Wt 83.4 kg (183 lb 12.8 oz) | SpO2 100% | BMI 24.93 kg/m²
FINDINGS:
Alignment: Rightward lumbar spine curvature measuring 9 degrees from L2-L4. 4 degree leftward thoracolumbar spine curvature measured from T12-L2.
Coronal balance: C7 is 3.1 cm to the left of S1 (normal less than 3 cm).
Thoracic kyphosis angle: 10 degrees (normal range 20-50 degrees)
Lumbar lordosis angle: 19 degrees (normal range 20-60 degrees)
lumbar kyphosis 2 degrees
Sagittal vertical axis: 2.2 cm (normal range -2 - +2 cm)
Pelvic incidence: 64 degrees
Pelvic incidence - lumbar lordosis: 45 degrees (normal less than 10 degrees)
Pelvic tilt: 39 degrees (normal less than 20 degrees).
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@jksawyers
Hi Jack,
I am glad that you are seeing a Mayo surgeon. My doc was Jeremy Fogelson, a neurosurgeon at Mayo Rochester.
Everyone's back is different and healing time will vary. I had a T2 to L2 spinal fusion due to Scoliosis at the age of 19. At the time of my May 2025 surgeries, my back had many problems-- DDD, Stenosis, pinched nerves, lateral listhesis, spondylolosthesis, herniated disc, Bertolotti's, Tarlov Cysts, etc. The day before my spinal surgery, I had bi-lateral Sacroilliac Joint Fusions due to arthritis in the joints.
As far as the healing time, I imagine that as time goes by, I will be able to do more and more. I will learn more when I have my 6 month follow-up next month.
At this time, I am walking 2 miles a day, enjoy the beach and social outings. Life is really good compared to pre-surgery.
I have the BLT restrictions--no bending, lifting, or twisting. As far as bending, PT will teach you how to bend at your hips. Standing and walking are no problem, but I am not walking really fast-- my right calf numbness and occasional tingling slows me down. (The right leg issue was there before my surgery and will hopefully go away with time as my nerves are no longer pinched,)
I do have to watch how long I sit and use a goose down pillow behind my back. As days go by, I am sitting longer and longer durations--up to 45 minutes depending on the chair and situation.
Jack, after your surgery and hospital stay, I highly recommend Mayo's Inpatient Rehab Center, in the Generose Building. I believe their care and therapy really propelled my recovery. ( 3 hours of daily therapy split between physical therapy and occupational therapy, You will also have a team guiding your recovery there.
I suggest you let your surgeon know that you want the inpatient rehab. He may state that you need to request it in the hospital and that it will be determined there based upon your needs.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best Wishes!
Nadine
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5 Reactions@nlback22 I have a heated mattress cover!! Highly recommend with timer! I use it every night!
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4 Reactions@jksawyers Jeremy Fogelson was my spine surgeon too. A fusion usually starts to take at about 3 months, but that may be different for others. It has a lot of bone growth and bone hardening to do, and that does go on for a year or 2, but you probably won't be aware if that. It shows up on x- ray. FYI, I was horseback riding 7 months after my fusion which was one level at C5/C6. With a bigger surgery, that may be different, but I was cleared for riding and it really helped me heal and build strength after surgery. Of course that clearance came with the mention that riding horses carries a risk, but that my fusion was strong enough to be able to sit on a horse. I was just trail riding at a walk.
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5 Reactions@sassytwo
That sounds wonderful!
Where did you buy it? Do you know the brand name?
Thanks for sharing😊
@nlback22 Hi -- I bought it several years ago for my guest room bed as that bedroom can get chilly, but I stole it back for my bed!:). I probably ordered it from Macy's or Bed, Bath and Beyond, or something. I may pick up another for my guests for the holidays. I will post what I find. Read reviews and check that the timer goes off when you get it, otherwise I wake up hot in the middle of the night.
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3 ReactionsThank you! 😊
Hello Nadine @nlback22
I don't think you said what type fusion you had or you told me before? Where is the Impatient Rehab facility and how do I get referred there?
Thank You for your reply.
Sincerely,
Bob
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1 Reaction@rwdixon4
Hi Bob,
In 1977, at 19 years old, I had a T2 to L2 fusion due to Scoliosis.
In May 2025, I had 2 surgeries, back to back. On Day 1, I had Bilateral Sacroilliac Fusions, and on Day 2, i had an 11 hour T10 to Pelvis Fusion with a 3 rod construct. My back had many issues--DDD, buldging disc, Lateral Listhesis, Spondylolosthesis, Stenosis, Nerve impingement, Bertolotti's, Flat Back Syndrome, and Tarlov Cysts (but only 1 cysts was a problem), etc.
Fortunately, my surgery resolved those issues. Additionally, the surgeon took wedges out of some of my vertebrae so now my hips have better alignment and I no longer lean forward--improving my sagital balance.
I went to Mayo Rochester for my surgery.
I just did a quick Google. Mayo Phoenix, along with Brooks Rehab, are constructing a new facility for rehab to be completed mid 2026. But there must be existing Inpatient Rehab options.
Best Wishes!
Nadine
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7 ReactionsNadine @nlback22 Thank You so much for this reply it was very helpful. I am now looking for an Inpatient Rehab facility.
Thank You again for all your help.....
Sincerely,
Bob
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3 Reactions@rwdixon4
You're welcome!
It's almost like we are all in this together.🙏😊💞
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4 Reactions