Spine surgery is a big decision for any child or adult with the spine disorder, and many people are apprehensive about it. While there are undoubtedly risks and complications associated with every surgery, there are also ways to minimize them and make the experience as smooth as possible for both you and your surgery team. In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common scoliosis fusion problems and how to treat them. We hope that by sharing this information, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about whether or not surgery is right for you.
A Patient's Guide to Complications of Scoliosis Surgery
After surgery for scoliosis, patients can face a variety of difficulties. Some are minor and can be treated at home, while others are more serious and require professional help. It's important for patients to be aware of their risks and symptoms so they can make the best possible decision for themselves. Some common problems after surgery include back pain, reduced range of motion, spinal cord compression, and nerve damage. In most cases, these issues can be treated with various therapies, such as bracing, exercises, and nutrient therapies. It's also important to keep a record of your healing progress and symptoms, so you can track your progress and seek assistance when needed.
Surgery common back surgery risks include:
- Implant failure
- Nerve damage
- Chronic back pain
- Infection
- Bone graft procedures
- Spinal cord injury
Why do People Opt for Scoliosis Fusion Surgery?
There are many possible benefits to undergoing scoliosis fusion surgery, including improved posture and mental status. However, there are also some potential complications that can occur during and after the surgery process. If you experience any of these problems, it is important to speak with your surgeon as soon as possible. By doing so, you can get the best possible care and help prevent further complications (also known a surgery syndrome) from occurring.
The Categories of Scoliosis Fusion Problems Years Later
It can be difficult to know what to do if you experience any symptoms related to your spine surgery years later. Luckily, there are four categories of fusion complications that can occur. It's important to consult with a scoliosis specialist in order to get the best possible treatment for you. Here are the four categories and the specific treatment options that need to be followed:
Dis-coordinated muscle firing patterns
After surgery, there can be a lot of dis-coordinated muscle firing patterns that can lead to different problems. These problems may include pain, imbalance, and poor function. Treatment usually involves special exercises and nutrient therapies. Many people recover completely but some may experience lifelong symptoms after surgery.
Failed Fusion
If you have gone through a failed fusion surgery, it is important to know the various symptoms and how to treat them. Failed fusion can happen for reasons such as incorrect alignment of vertebrae or improper healing. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort after your surgery, please see your doctor as soon as possible. There are various treatments available that will help in restoring the spine back to its original form. Make sure to follow all post-operative rehabilitation instructions carefully so that your spine surgery goes well and yields the best possible results.
Hardware Problems
Hardware problems during surgery can arise at any stage of the procedure. Some of the most common are when a metal rod breaks, screws slipping or implants becoming loose. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation. This will help identify and solve the underlying problem before it becomes worse and causes more extensive damage. Multiple studies have found long-term wear and tear and corrosion. This allows metal ions from the hardware to be released into the patient's blood stream causing metalosis and metal poisoning.
Can These Problems Be Fixed Without Additional Surgery?
Scoliosis is a condition that causes your spine to curve inward, often leading to fusion problems. Spine surgeries are a common treatment for patients with severe scoliosis, but they have some complications and treatment options are very limited. If you're considering back surgery, it's important to discuss all of your other treatment options with a doctor first. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to alleviate some of the fusion problems on your own. Try these remedies to see if they help:
Metal detoxification supplements
If you are experiencing pain or any other symptoms that suggest metal toxicity, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Metal ions can seep into the bloodstream and cause a wide variety of diseases, including pain and fatigue. There are supplements available that can detoxify your body and help fix scoliosis fusion problems. PURE nutrient therapy is one such option that specifically targets reducing metal levels from the body.
ScoliSMART Activity Suit
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is a personal rehab system that can be used post fusion and has been found to help improve the quality of life of those who have undergone spinal fusion surgery. It helps re-coordinate the muscles firing patterns (providing pain relief), which in turn alleviates pain and limits movement. Many patients have successfully recovered with this unique piece of wearable technology.
"Salvage" Surgery
If you or a loved one has failed spine surgery, another back surgery maybe the only solution. However, before making such a drastic decision, it is important to understand all of your options. Some treatments that are done in an attempt to fix the spine without surgery include: spinal fusion (where two vertebrae are joined together), vertebral body fusion (where bone grafts are used to hold two vertebrae together while they heal), and bracing (which uses metal straps or rods placed around the back and chest). Salvage or revision surgeries are not always successful - but if pain is severe and there is no other option available, they should still be considered. There are three main types of salvage surgeries: spinal cord implant stimulation epidural decompression laminectomy decompression via open reduction approach
Conclusion
After surgery for scoliosis, patients may experience a number of fusion complications. These complications can range from mild to severe, and can require additional back surgery in order to be fixed. However, not all fusion complications are irreversible, and there are treatments available that can help improve the situation. If you are experiencing any fusion complications after surgery, be sure to consult with a scoliosis specialist for a diagnosis and possible treatment options. Thank you for reading!