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F5/S1 fusion (6 yrs. ) with broken pedicle screw, intense pain, muscle problems

I had a F5/S1 fusion in 1997 with bone taken from my hip.  I have been in intense pain ever since.  Especially my right side. 2-years ago, found out a right pedicle screw was broken. i wonder if it could be pressing on a nerve. I have bad back pain that often radiates down my legs. My biggest problem however is the muscle spasms and pain i have in my lower back, buttocks, and thighs.  my muscles feel like big, hard knots and giant ridges.  Majority of pain/problems is down my right side. Even doing a little stretching/exercising puts me in too much pain. I am afraid of arthritis setting in more than it has and my ability to work and take care of my family down the road as i am only 27. Is there something that could be done to alleviate some pain and do you know what i could do to get my muscles back to normal? Should i have surgery to remove the screw/hardware? Do you think this is what is causing the problems? Have you heard of these types of problems? My current neurosurgeon just suggests that I swim. I have not been on meds or muscle relaxants...should i? should I get a second opinion?  Know any good drs. in Pittsburgh? Thankyou for your time.  Craig
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, pedicle screws was started.
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Avatar universal
I have recently been having alot of pain in my leg and hip region. I had pedicle screws put into my L-4, thru S-1 in 1996. I went to the Dr, but she assures me nothing is wrong, yet I have numbness in my left middle fingers and if I step on my leg the wrong way I get a shooting pain thru-out my leg and hip region. She has referred me to a orthopedist, but my appointment is not for two weeks. Should I wait till this appointment, or should I go to E.R. and be evaluated by an ortho there? The pain is excrutiating, and I am having difficulty sleeping and doing my job.

Deb
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Avatar universal
I understand your problem.  I also have pedicle screws at three levels of my lumbar spine.  Had ray cages first at L5/S1.  I still had pain after both surgeries.
I found out that most of my original pain was sacroiliac joint pain. (This was after 5 years of suffering).

I had an endoscopic sacroiliac joint debridement done in October, 2003.  It eliminated 95% of my pain.  This was done on an outpatient basis.

Now, I am having pedicle screw pain, which I believe I had along with the S/I joint pain.  I am considering having the pedicle screws removed.

The facility that did my S/I joint debridement, also does endoscopic hardware removal.  I think they are the only facility in the world to do both of these surgeries, endoscopically.

It is Microspine Surgery Center, DeFuniak Springs, Florida.  To contact them go to www.microspine.org.

You won't be sorry you did. I traveled 600 miles from Illinois to Florida. It was well worth it!!!

Larry
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Avatar universal
I understand your problem.  I also have pedicle screws at three levels of my lumbar spine.  Had ray cages first at L5/S1.  I still had pain after both surgeries.
I found out that most of my original pain was sacroiliac joint pain. (This was after 5 years of suffering).

I had an endoscopic sacroiliac joint debridement done in October, 2003.  It eliminated 95% of my pain.  This was done on an outpatient basis.

Now, I am having pedicle screw pain, which I believe I had along with the S/I joint pain.  I am considering having the pedicle screws removed.

The facility that did my S/I joint debridement, also does endoscopic hardware removal.  I think they are the only facility in the world to do both of these surgeries, endoscopically.

It is Microspine Surgery Center, DeFuniak Springs, Florida.  To contact them go to www.microspine.org.

You won't be sorry you did. I traveled 600 miles from Illinois to Florida. It was well worth it!!!

Larry
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your problem is complex, and without having the opportunity to evaluate you personally and reveiw your films I can not provide specific advise. What I would recommend is that you be evaluated at a large spine center. They will be able to provide a comprehensive review of your case and make proper recommendations regarding medical and surgical treatment (make sure you bring your films for review). If you are willing to take the trip (only 2-2.5 hours) we have an excellent spine center at the Cleveland Clinic, and wonderful spine surgeons. Good luck.
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