Fusion that hasn't fused

[pjp1959]

I had L4, L5/S1 fusion 8 months ago; it's not fusing at all (they used some type of liquid-not bone).  I have a lot of hardware (plates, screws, cages, etc.)  I in a lot of pain (different from pre-op).  If I get my pain under control, can I live my life with the hardware and no fusion taking place or am I going to need another surgery (with some other type of graft/fusion material)??  I am very frightened of another surgery.  

[pjp1959]

I've had xrays and an MRI-they show no fusion taking place.  They did not use ANY bone, only what the surgeon described as 'sort of a liquid cement that will solidify like bone'.  I have done everything they told me to from day one post op (walking 2-4 miles per day and p.t. exercises at home now).  My pain is unrelenting.  I've seen three different spine specialists, all of whom are saying the hardware is too large for my body size and that at one year (end of October) we will need to discuss a second surgery-to do bone grafts and to put smaller hardware in.  One surgeon wants to open me up from the front, take my organs out and work from there (that one is NOT happening!)  I'm just so incredibly frustrated.  The surgeon who performed this surgery has done over 3,000 and I researched him thoroughly before agreeing to it.  I really had such high hopes for this - I thought I would finally get my life back (working, etc.).  The only thing that has changed is my legs are no longer numb and the sciatic pain is gone.  I am in constant pain from low mid spine and across into hips.  I have tried so hard to keep a positive attitude, but the thought of another surgery is almost too much for me....sorry so long-guess I needed to vent.  Thanks.

[sv13]

pjp1959, I had a similar surgery with 5 fused at one time. They wanted to go in from the front and that was not going to happen. I`m 10 weeks post OP and things are not going to good. Just wanted to talk with someone who went through some of the same problems. Thanks, sv13.

[pmartin1664]

I'm so sorry to hear of your issues, post surgical. Well, I know just where you are at, as I had my first fusion at the same levels, and my second revisional surgery about 4 months later. My revisional was due to the first Surgeon making quite a mess of things, even as an experienced surgeon of 20 years.
As to your situation, a few more clarifying facts really are needed. Once we are enlightened, the comments will flow. I know I certainly have quite a bit to share with you. But first, have you had a follow up MRI and CAT scan? If so, what is the impression(s) from the Radiologist? How do you know that the first surgery did not take?  Is it based soley on your pain level? Where is your pain? Do you hhave new pain?  What is your surgeon saying at this point?  Have you had a follow up post surgical opinion from another surgon or doctor?
I must say, I never heard of a lumbar fusion surgery, where bone or a allograph was not used! I assume the liquid you speak of was in fact, a bone stimulating addition to his graft. That is the norm used these days. I will follow up with you once I get your additional information, as asked above.   ThanksPmartin