geifer
08-15-2005, 04:16 PM
Hi Shoreline I haven't been on the board for a bit but I have a morphine pump because of nerve damage from some surgeries. Anyway I started having lower back pain over a year ago. I did the injections at pain management and I had a ct scan. Could you tell me how bad is this spondylosis at L5-S1 with broad based disc bulging,there is some posterior osteophyte formation at this level there is some calcification of posterior spinal ligament note made of some calcifation of the aorta and iliac arteries. I have an appointment at a neurosurgeon the end of the month. I have crohns and have an illiosomy the pump was put in because of nerve damage from the surgeries from the ostomy surgeries. I just want to be prepared for any bad news on my back. Thanks for taking the time. Take care and stay safe geifer :wave:
Sponsor
Shoreline
08-16-2005, 09:05 AM
Hey Geif, I haven't forgotten you, had to do some research on those arteries that branch off thoff the arota and splitto fgo down your legs and tothe pelvic region rght around th e L5/S1 juncture.
I'll get back to you when I finish investigatng everything
Here is a digram of those arteries. The roman numeral V is lumbar vertabrea L5.
http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/anatomy/AnatomicVariants/Cardiovascular/Images0100/0136.html
I have a pump refill today but will get back to you. Spondy is mainly spinal degeneration of both disc and the end plates of each vertabrea where they begin to rub against each other from extreme bulges and flattening of the discs but I'll explain more later.
Take care, Dave
Can Iask how old you are? Thanks, Dave
I'll get back to you when I finish investigatng everything
Here is a digram of those arteries. The roman numeral V is lumbar vertabrea L5.
http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/anatomy/AnatomicVariants/Cardiovascular/Images0100/0136.html
I have a pump refill today but will get back to you. Spondy is mainly spinal degeneration of both disc and the end plates of each vertabrea where they begin to rub against each other from extreme bulges and flattening of the discs but I'll explain more later.
Take care, Dave
Can Iask how old you are? Thanks, Dave
CoffyDrinker711
08-16-2005, 09:40 AM
Hi Shoreline I haven't been on the board for a bit but I have a morphine pump because of nerve damage from some surgeries. Anyway I started having lower back pain over a year ago. I did the injections at pain management and I had a ct scan. Could you tell me how bad is this spondylosis at L5-S1 with broad based disc bulging,there is some posterior osteophyte formation at this level there is some calcification of posterior spinal ligament note made of some calcifation of the aorta and iliac arteries. I have an appointment at a neurosurgeon the end of the month. I have crohns and have an illiosomy the pump was put in because of nerve damage from the surgeries from the ostomy surgeries. I just want to be prepared for any bad news on my back. Thanks for taking the time. Take care and stay safe geifer :wave:
Hello Geifer:
My son has experienced the same nerve damage and problems you describe from crohns and surgeries. He had a proctocolectomy and is now trialing a SCS with horrible results so far..meaning 0% pain relief. His next step is the pump. Are you having problems with the pump? Are you having relief from your surgery nerve damage?
Thanx Coffy
Hello Geifer:
My son has experienced the same nerve damage and problems you describe from crohns and surgeries. He had a proctocolectomy and is now trialing a SCS with horrible results so far..meaning 0% pain relief. His next step is the pump. Are you having problems with the pump? Are you having relief from your surgery nerve damage?
Thanx Coffy
geifer
08-16-2005, 06:05 PM
Dave ,I am 52 years young I had my pump refill yesterday and thats when I found out about all of this test results. Coffy I am on my second pump I had the first one in 1997 and the second in 2001. I had a total colectomy in 91 at the Cleveland Clinic. I have had good results with the pump for pain control from the nerve damage. It doesn't take all the pain
away but it helps me more than I thought. My back problems have been going on for about a little over a year. So I am trying to figure out jsut what is going on and what I want to do about it. I hope this helps take care and stay safe geifer :)
away but it helps me more than I thought. My back problems have been going on for about a little over a year. So I am trying to figure out jsut what is going on and what I want to do about it. I hope this helps take care and stay safe geifer :)
Shoreline
08-23-2005, 03:56 PM
Hi Giefer, There could be sevral causes of the back pain but As scary as it sounds, calcification of aortic artiers, I beleve we are simply talking about scar issue on the outside of the artie, Several things can cause this , Aracnoiditis which isn't where I was leaning, It sounds more like Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Description and Diagnosis
What Is It?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pain and progressive stiffness. It is part of a group of rheumatic diseases termed seronegative spondyloarthropathies (vertebral joints) that share the human antigen HLA-B27. AS is seronegative (serum negative) because a rheumatoid factor is not detected in the patient's blood (serum).
AS is considered to be hereditary, although environmental factors have been suggested. Most people with the HLA-B27 antigen do not develop AS. It is known to affect white males about four times as often as females. Onset typically occurs between the ages of 15 and 45.
In the early stages of the disease, the sacroiliac joints (back of the pelvis) become inflamed and painful. As the disease progresses, ossification is triggered by the body's defense mechanism. Ossification causes new bone to grow between vertebrae eventually fusing them together increasing the risk for fracture. Further, ossification may affect spinal ligaments causing spinal canal stenosis (narrowing), which can result in neurologic deficit.
Other symptoms may include:
>Low back pain that may spread down into the buttocks and thighs. Pain varies in intensity, duration, and is episodic. Stiffness is usually worse in the morning and improves with exercise.
>Limited motion in the lumbar spine.
>As the disease progresses, the patient may notice the discomfort moves up the spine.
>The thoracic region may be affected by pain, stiffness, and limited chest expansion.
>Pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the shoulders, hips, knees, and heels.
>Cauda Equina Syndrome (specific nerve compression) may develop causing bilateral lower extremity numbness, weakness, and incontinence.
>Inflammation of the intervertebral disc or disc space (spondylodiscitis) is a common complication caused by the hardening/thickening of fibrous tissue (sclerosis) affecting vertebral end plates. The resultant abnormal vertebral motion almost always causes pain.
Diagnosis
General health and family medical history is important because ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be hereditary. Ankylosing spondylitis may or may not be associated with non-skeletal diseases such as uveitis (eye inflammation), prostatitis (prostate inflammation) and certain disorders affecting cardiac and pulmonary function. A blood workup will reveal the HLA-BA27 antigen. A physical examination often includes the following:
Schober Test: Limited motion in the lumbar spine is symptomatic of AS. The Schober test measures the degree of lumbar forward flexion as the patient bends over as though touching their toes. Progressive loss of spinal motion is correlated with x-ray findings.
Gaenslen Test: Sacroiliac pain is often found in the early stage of AS. Gaenslen's maneuver stresses the sacroiliac joints. Increased pain during this maneuver could be indicative of joint disease.
When AS affects the thoracic spine normal chest expansion may be compromised. The amount of chest expansion is measured from deep expiration to full inspiration. Measurements significantly less than one inch (normal chest expansion) could indicate AS.
General range of motion measures the degree to which a patient can perform movements of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and spinal rotation. Asymmetry may also be noted.
Neurologic Evaluation
A neurologic evaluation is mandatory for patients presenting with a spine disorder. The following symptoms are assessed: pain, numbness, paresthesias (e.g. tingling), extremity sensation and motor function, muscle spasm, weakness, and bowel/bladder changes.
Radiographic Evidence
Plain radiographs (x-rays) are standard for AS. A CT Scan or MRI may be ordered to evaluate bone and soft tissues (e.g. spinal canal) in greater detail. These tests reveal changes in the spine affected by AS.
>Characteristic bilateral sacroiliac changes may appear as blurry erosions (wearing away) or hardening/thickening of fibrous tissue (sclerosis) on either side of the joint(s).
>Loss of cartilage spacing in the facet joints, which fuse and become indistinguishable.
>Natural spinal curvature lost and presentation of abnormal kyphosis (humpback) and/or lordosis (swayback).
>Spinal fractures anywhere in the spinal column. A CT Scan or MRI may detect epidural bleeding common following spinal fracture. This bleeding may cause a semisolid swelling (hematoma) causing compression of neural elements. Fractures may lead to neurologic deficit and/or spinal deformity.
>Lumbar vertebrae may appear abnormally square from erosion that has occurred where bone meets fibrous tissue during the inflammatory phase.
>'Bamboo Spine' is typical of AS and results from ossification of the annulus fibrosus, the anterior longitudinal ligament, and bony bridges that form across the intervertebral spaces.
continued...
Description and Diagnosis
What Is It?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pain and progressive stiffness. It is part of a group of rheumatic diseases termed seronegative spondyloarthropathies (vertebral joints) that share the human antigen HLA-B27. AS is seronegative (serum negative) because a rheumatoid factor is not detected in the patient's blood (serum).
AS is considered to be hereditary, although environmental factors have been suggested. Most people with the HLA-B27 antigen do not develop AS. It is known to affect white males about four times as often as females. Onset typically occurs between the ages of 15 and 45.
In the early stages of the disease, the sacroiliac joints (back of the pelvis) become inflamed and painful. As the disease progresses, ossification is triggered by the body's defense mechanism. Ossification causes new bone to grow between vertebrae eventually fusing them together increasing the risk for fracture. Further, ossification may affect spinal ligaments causing spinal canal stenosis (narrowing), which can result in neurologic deficit.
Other symptoms may include:
>Low back pain that may spread down into the buttocks and thighs. Pain varies in intensity, duration, and is episodic. Stiffness is usually worse in the morning and improves with exercise.
>Limited motion in the lumbar spine.
>As the disease progresses, the patient may notice the discomfort moves up the spine.
>The thoracic region may be affected by pain, stiffness, and limited chest expansion.
>Pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the shoulders, hips, knees, and heels.
>Cauda Equina Syndrome (specific nerve compression) may develop causing bilateral lower extremity numbness, weakness, and incontinence.
>Inflammation of the intervertebral disc or disc space (spondylodiscitis) is a common complication caused by the hardening/thickening of fibrous tissue (sclerosis) affecting vertebral end plates. The resultant abnormal vertebral motion almost always causes pain.
Diagnosis
General health and family medical history is important because ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be hereditary. Ankylosing spondylitis may or may not be associated with non-skeletal diseases such as uveitis (eye inflammation), prostatitis (prostate inflammation) and certain disorders affecting cardiac and pulmonary function. A blood workup will reveal the HLA-BA27 antigen. A physical examination often includes the following:
Schober Test: Limited motion in the lumbar spine is symptomatic of AS. The Schober test measures the degree of lumbar forward flexion as the patient bends over as though touching their toes. Progressive loss of spinal motion is correlated with x-ray findings.
Gaenslen Test: Sacroiliac pain is often found in the early stage of AS. Gaenslen's maneuver stresses the sacroiliac joints. Increased pain during this maneuver could be indicative of joint disease.
When AS affects the thoracic spine normal chest expansion may be compromised. The amount of chest expansion is measured from deep expiration to full inspiration. Measurements significantly less than one inch (normal chest expansion) could indicate AS.
General range of motion measures the degree to which a patient can perform movements of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and spinal rotation. Asymmetry may also be noted.
Neurologic Evaluation
A neurologic evaluation is mandatory for patients presenting with a spine disorder. The following symptoms are assessed: pain, numbness, paresthesias (e.g. tingling), extremity sensation and motor function, muscle spasm, weakness, and bowel/bladder changes.
Radiographic Evidence
Plain radiographs (x-rays) are standard for AS. A CT Scan or MRI may be ordered to evaluate bone and soft tissues (e.g. spinal canal) in greater detail. These tests reveal changes in the spine affected by AS.
>Characteristic bilateral sacroiliac changes may appear as blurry erosions (wearing away) or hardening/thickening of fibrous tissue (sclerosis) on either side of the joint(s).
>Loss of cartilage spacing in the facet joints, which fuse and become indistinguishable.
>Natural spinal curvature lost and presentation of abnormal kyphosis (humpback) and/or lordosis (swayback).
>Spinal fractures anywhere in the spinal column. A CT Scan or MRI may detect epidural bleeding common following spinal fracture. This bleeding may cause a semisolid swelling (hematoma) causing compression of neural elements. Fractures may lead to neurologic deficit and/or spinal deformity.
>Lumbar vertebrae may appear abnormally square from erosion that has occurred where bone meets fibrous tissue during the inflammatory phase.
>'Bamboo Spine' is typical of AS and results from ossification of the annulus fibrosus, the anterior longitudinal ligament, and bony bridges that form across the intervertebral spaces.
continued...
Shoreline
08-23-2005, 04:06 PM
HI Geifer, This is what I'm leaning towards due to the large amount of calcification, flattening of discs and some of the other symptoms. Please let m,e know what your doc says or what his next step and thought are.
Treatment
Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is aimed at relieving the patient's symptoms and preventing spinal deformity. Seldom is surgery required.
Standard treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and physical therapy (PT). PT teaches the patient exercises designed to strengthen back muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility and range of motion, and techniques to enhance breathing. Activities that help to alleviate stiffness include taking a warm bath or shower, gentle stretching movements performed in bed prior to rising, or aquatics such as swimming.
Spinal fractures resulting from AS may be treated non-surgically using traction and/or bracing. Treatment for cervical fractures may necessitate a halo brace. This apparatus immobilizes the cervical spine by placement of pins into the skull secured to a metal ring (halo). The halo is combined with a well-fitted jacket. A TLSO (thoraco lumbar sacral orthotic) is a jacket-like brace (sleeveless) that stabilizes the thoracic - lumbar - sacral spinal regions. These braces may be worn for 3 months or more depending on the patient's disorder.
Surgery
Most patients with ankylosing spondylitis do not require surgery. Surgery is a consideration when:
(1) The spinal deformity is in a fixed flexed position. The magnitude (angle) of the deformity is paramount. An example is forward flexion so great the chin rests near or on the chest. The functional limitations of this particular deformity are great. In the example, the patient would be unable to look forward, make visual contact, drive, and may have difficulty eating.
(2) The stability of the spine is compromised.
(3) Neurologic deficit exists.
(4) A combination of any of the above.
Several surgical procedures may be available to the spinal physician. The type of procedure is dependent on the disorder, spinal stability, neurologic compromise, and other variables.
>During an osteotomy bone is cut to correct angular deformities. The bone ends are realigned and allowed to heal. Spinal instrumentation and fusion may be combined with an osteotomy to stabilize the spine during healing.
>Other procedures decompress the spinal canal and associated neural elements restoring or preventing neurologic dysfunction.
>Spinal Instrumentation and Fusion are surgical procedures used to correct spinal deformity and to provide permanent stability to the spinal column. These procedures join and solidify the level where a spinal element has been damaged or removed. Instrumentation uses medically designed hardware such as rods, bars, wires, and screws. These devices hold the spine straight during fusion. Fusion is the adhesive process joining bony spinal elements.
Following certain cervical procedures, the patient may need to wear a halo brace to immobilize the cervical spine. The halo, a metal ring, is secured to the skull with pins and combined with a well-fitted jacket. A TLSO (thoraco lumbar sacral orthosis) is a jacket-like brace worn to stabilize the thoracic - lumbar - sacral spinal regions. This brace may need to be worn for six months (or until healing occurs) following surgery.
Recovery
Although ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not curable, most people are only mildly affected. The condition tends to become less severe with age (e.g. progression). Episodic pain and stiffness will not prevent most patients from leading a productive life. Pain can be treated using medication, stiffness alleviated with exercise and modalities (e.g. heating pad), and a program of stretching can increase flexibility and range of motion.
Post-surgical patients will be given medication to control pain. At the appropriate time during recovery, the patient will begin a program of physical therapy (PT) to strengthen the spinal muscles and increase flexibility. The physical therapist will teach the patient how to incorporate principles of good posture into their everyday life.
If the patient was prescribed a brace to wear, their progress will be monitored during follow up visits with their physician.
Sorry this took solong, I wasn't sure if the scan was showing internal arterial calcification or exterior. BUt it sounds like it's all stemmng from the previous surgery, genetics and symptoms. You didn't have an injury or suden onset of bizarre symptoms that could be explained by a ruptured disc.
There is also the posibility that they used BMP in your fusion and thcalcification is overgrowth from Bio morphic proteins used to enhance bone groth at fusion sites.
Hope this helps, But I don't see any great risks to the arteries involved, IF you have severe adhesons pullng on these arties, you may need the adhesions released but that's a huge leap given the information I have. Non uniuon of fusion cold also be causing some problems that may require a revision. Take careand keep me posted.
Dave
Take care, Dave
Treatment
Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is aimed at relieving the patient's symptoms and preventing spinal deformity. Seldom is surgery required.
Standard treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and physical therapy (PT). PT teaches the patient exercises designed to strengthen back muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility and range of motion, and techniques to enhance breathing. Activities that help to alleviate stiffness include taking a warm bath or shower, gentle stretching movements performed in bed prior to rising, or aquatics such as swimming.
Spinal fractures resulting from AS may be treated non-surgically using traction and/or bracing. Treatment for cervical fractures may necessitate a halo brace. This apparatus immobilizes the cervical spine by placement of pins into the skull secured to a metal ring (halo). The halo is combined with a well-fitted jacket. A TLSO (thoraco lumbar sacral orthotic) is a jacket-like brace (sleeveless) that stabilizes the thoracic - lumbar - sacral spinal regions. These braces may be worn for 3 months or more depending on the patient's disorder.
Surgery
Most patients with ankylosing spondylitis do not require surgery. Surgery is a consideration when:
(1) The spinal deformity is in a fixed flexed position. The magnitude (angle) of the deformity is paramount. An example is forward flexion so great the chin rests near or on the chest. The functional limitations of this particular deformity are great. In the example, the patient would be unable to look forward, make visual contact, drive, and may have difficulty eating.
(2) The stability of the spine is compromised.
(3) Neurologic deficit exists.
(4) A combination of any of the above.
Several surgical procedures may be available to the spinal physician. The type of procedure is dependent on the disorder, spinal stability, neurologic compromise, and other variables.
>During an osteotomy bone is cut to correct angular deformities. The bone ends are realigned and allowed to heal. Spinal instrumentation and fusion may be combined with an osteotomy to stabilize the spine during healing.
>Other procedures decompress the spinal canal and associated neural elements restoring or preventing neurologic dysfunction.
>Spinal Instrumentation and Fusion are surgical procedures used to correct spinal deformity and to provide permanent stability to the spinal column. These procedures join and solidify the level where a spinal element has been damaged or removed. Instrumentation uses medically designed hardware such as rods, bars, wires, and screws. These devices hold the spine straight during fusion. Fusion is the adhesive process joining bony spinal elements.
Following certain cervical procedures, the patient may need to wear a halo brace to immobilize the cervical spine. The halo, a metal ring, is secured to the skull with pins and combined with a well-fitted jacket. A TLSO (thoraco lumbar sacral orthosis) is a jacket-like brace worn to stabilize the thoracic - lumbar - sacral spinal regions. This brace may need to be worn for six months (or until healing occurs) following surgery.
Recovery
Although ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not curable, most people are only mildly affected. The condition tends to become less severe with age (e.g. progression). Episodic pain and stiffness will not prevent most patients from leading a productive life. Pain can be treated using medication, stiffness alleviated with exercise and modalities (e.g. heating pad), and a program of stretching can increase flexibility and range of motion.
Post-surgical patients will be given medication to control pain. At the appropriate time during recovery, the patient will begin a program of physical therapy (PT) to strengthen the spinal muscles and increase flexibility. The physical therapist will teach the patient how to incorporate principles of good posture into their everyday life.
If the patient was prescribed a brace to wear, their progress will be monitored during follow up visits with their physician.
Sorry this took solong, I wasn't sure if the scan was showing internal arterial calcification or exterior. BUt it sounds like it's all stemmng from the previous surgery, genetics and symptoms. You didn't have an injury or suden onset of bizarre symptoms that could be explained by a ruptured disc.
There is also the posibility that they used BMP in your fusion and thcalcification is overgrowth from Bio morphic proteins used to enhance bone groth at fusion sites.
Hope this helps, But I don't see any great risks to the arteries involved, IF you have severe adhesons pullng on these arties, you may need the adhesions released but that's a huge leap given the information I have. Non uniuon of fusion cold also be causing some problems that may require a revision. Take careand keep me posted.
Dave
Take care, Dave
Shoreline
08-23-2005, 04:08 PM
HI Geifer, This is what I'm leaning towards due to the large amount of calcification, flattening of discs and some of the other symptoms. Please let m,e know what your doc says or what his next step and thought are.
Treatment
Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is aimed at relieving the patient's symptoms and preventing spinal deformity. Seldom is surgery required.
Standard treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and physical therapy (PT). PT teaches the patient exercises designed to strengthen back muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility and range of motion, and techniques to enhance breathing. Activities that help to alleviate stiffness include taking a warm bath or shower, gentle stretching movements performed in bed prior to rising, or aquatics such as swimming.
Spinal fractures resulting from AS may be treated non-surgically using traction and/or bracing. Treatment for cervical fractures may necessitate a halo brace. This apparatus immobilizes the cervical spine by placement of pins into the skull secured to a metal ring (halo). The halo is combined with a well-fitted jacket. A TLSO (thoraco lumbar sacral orthotic) is a jacket-like brace (sleeveless) that stabilizes the thoracic - lumbar - sacral spinal regions. These braces may be worn for 3 months or more depending on the patient's disorder.
Surgery
Most patients with ankylosing spondylitis do not require surgery. Surgery is a consideration when:
(1) The spinal deformity is in a fixed flexed position. The magnitude (angle) of the deformity is paramount. An example is forward flexion so great the chin rests near or on the chest. The functional limitations of this particular deformity are great. In the example, the patient would be unable to look forward, make visual contact, drive, and may have difficulty eating.
(2) The stability of the spine is compromised.
(3) Neurologic deficit exists.
(4) A combination of any of the above.
Several surgical procedures may be available to the spinal physician. The type of procedure is dependent on the disorder, spinal stability, neurologic compromise, and other variables.
>During an osteotomy bone is cut to correct angular deformities. The bone ends are realigned and allowed to heal. Spinal instrumentation and fusion may be combined with an osteotomy to stabilize the spine during healing.
>Other procedures decompress the spinal canal and associated neural elements restoring or preventing neurologic dysfunction.
>Spinal Instrumentation and Fusion are surgical procedures used to correct spinal deformity and to provide permanent stability to the spinal column. These procedures join and solidify the level where a spinal element has been damaged or removed. Instrumentation uses medically designed hardware such as rods, bars, wires, and screws. These devices hold the spine straight during fusion. Fusion is the adhesive process joining bony spinal elements.
Following certain cervical procedures, the patient may need to wear a halo brace to immobilize the cervical spine. The halo, a metal ring, is secured to the skull with pins and combined with a well-fitted jacket. A TLSO (thoraco lumbar sacral orthosis) is a jacket-like brace worn to stabilize the thoracic - lumbar - sacral spinal regions. This brace may need to be worn for six months (or until healing occurs) following surgery.
Recovery
Although ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not curable, most people are only mildly affected. The condition tends to become less severe with age (e.g. progression). Episodic pain and stiffness will not prevent most patients from leading a productive life. Pain can be treated using medication, stiffness alleviated with exercise and modalities (e.g. heating pad), and a program of stretching can increase flexibility and range of motion.
Post-surgical patients will be given medication to control pain. At the appropriate time during recovery, the patient will begin a program of physical therapy (PT) to strengthen the spinal muscles and increase flexibility. The physical therapist will teach the patient how to incorporate principles of good posture into their everyday life.
If the patient was prescribed a brace to wear, their progress will be monitored during follow up visits with their physician.
Sorry this took solong, I wasn't sure if the scan was showing internal arterial calcification or exterior. BUt it sounds like it's all stemmng from the previous surgery, genetics and symptoms. You didn't have an injury or suden onset of bizarre symptoms that could be explained by a ruptured disc.
There is also the posibility that they used BMP in your fusion and thcalcification is overgrowth from Bio morphic proteins used to enhance bone groth at fusion sites.
Hope this helps, But I don't see any great risks to the arteries involved, IF you have severe adhesons pullng on these arties, you may need the adhesions released but that's a huge leap given the information I have. Non uniuon of fusion cold also be causing some problems that may require a revision. Take care and keep me posted.
Dave
Take care, Dave
Treatment
Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is aimed at relieving the patient's symptoms and preventing spinal deformity. Seldom is surgery required.
Standard treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and physical therapy (PT). PT teaches the patient exercises designed to strengthen back muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility and range of motion, and techniques to enhance breathing. Activities that help to alleviate stiffness include taking a warm bath or shower, gentle stretching movements performed in bed prior to rising, or aquatics such as swimming.
Spinal fractures resulting from AS may be treated non-surgically using traction and/or bracing. Treatment for cervical fractures may necessitate a halo brace. This apparatus immobilizes the cervical spine by placement of pins into the skull secured to a metal ring (halo). The halo is combined with a well-fitted jacket. A TLSO (thoraco lumbar sacral orthotic) is a jacket-like brace (sleeveless) that stabilizes the thoracic - lumbar - sacral spinal regions. These braces may be worn for 3 months or more depending on the patient's disorder.
Surgery
Most patients with ankylosing spondylitis do not require surgery. Surgery is a consideration when:
(1) The spinal deformity is in a fixed flexed position. The magnitude (angle) of the deformity is paramount. An example is forward flexion so great the chin rests near or on the chest. The functional limitations of this particular deformity are great. In the example, the patient would be unable to look forward, make visual contact, drive, and may have difficulty eating.
(2) The stability of the spine is compromised.
(3) Neurologic deficit exists.
(4) A combination of any of the above.
Several surgical procedures may be available to the spinal physician. The type of procedure is dependent on the disorder, spinal stability, neurologic compromise, and other variables.
>During an osteotomy bone is cut to correct angular deformities. The bone ends are realigned and allowed to heal. Spinal instrumentation and fusion may be combined with an osteotomy to stabilize the spine during healing.
>Other procedures decompress the spinal canal and associated neural elements restoring or preventing neurologic dysfunction.
>Spinal Instrumentation and Fusion are surgical procedures used to correct spinal deformity and to provide permanent stability to the spinal column. These procedures join and solidify the level where a spinal element has been damaged or removed. Instrumentation uses medically designed hardware such as rods, bars, wires, and screws. These devices hold the spine straight during fusion. Fusion is the adhesive process joining bony spinal elements.
Following certain cervical procedures, the patient may need to wear a halo brace to immobilize the cervical spine. The halo, a metal ring, is secured to the skull with pins and combined with a well-fitted jacket. A TLSO (thoraco lumbar sacral orthosis) is a jacket-like brace worn to stabilize the thoracic - lumbar - sacral spinal regions. This brace may need to be worn for six months (or until healing occurs) following surgery.
Recovery
Although ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not curable, most people are only mildly affected. The condition tends to become less severe with age (e.g. progression). Episodic pain and stiffness will not prevent most patients from leading a productive life. Pain can be treated using medication, stiffness alleviated with exercise and modalities (e.g. heating pad), and a program of stretching can increase flexibility and range of motion.
Post-surgical patients will be given medication to control pain. At the appropriate time during recovery, the patient will begin a program of physical therapy (PT) to strengthen the spinal muscles and increase flexibility. The physical therapist will teach the patient how to incorporate principles of good posture into their everyday life.
If the patient was prescribed a brace to wear, their progress will be monitored during follow up visits with their physician.
Sorry this took solong, I wasn't sure if the scan was showing internal arterial calcification or exterior. BUt it sounds like it's all stemmng from the previous surgery, genetics and symptoms. You didn't have an injury or suden onset of bizarre symptoms that could be explained by a ruptured disc.
There is also the posibility that they used BMP in your fusion and thcalcification is overgrowth from Bio morphic proteins used to enhance bone groth at fusion sites.
Hope this helps, But I don't see any great risks to the arteries involved, IF you have severe adhesons pullng on these arties, you may need the adhesions released but that's a huge leap given the information I have. Non uniuon of fusion cold also be causing some problems that may require a revision. Take care and keep me posted.
Dave
Take care, Dave
geifer
08-25-2005, 09:20 AM
Dave, Thank you for the info you are a wise man. My appointment is now the 7th. of Sept I am looking forward to see what he tells me. I do have some of the symthoms you mentioned lost of some blatter control, numbness in foot etc... I really do hope you are feeling better Thanks again Take care and stay safe geifer :angel: