Screws in the lower Back - Back Problems Message Board

Hammer in Exile · 12-08-2008, 06:52 AM

Twenty years ago, I underwent a double discectomy on L4/L5 and L5/S1. At the time the Doc told me I may need a fusion after 5 years. 20 years later and the problems have really kicked in. It appears that I have a degeneration of L5 with chronic sciatica. They are planning to operate and, since I have had previous surgery, insert screws. Has anyone heard of this before?

atwork · 12-08-2008, 07:46 AM

It is pretty normal. I have a double fusion with rods and pedial screws. They help take the load off some of the spine and strengthen the whole area. They will probably use titanium so no worries about setting off bells at the airport security!

Blessings,
Michelle

Hammer in Exile · 12-08-2008, 03:27 PM

Thank you. Knowing there is somebody else out there helps.

SpineAZ · 12-08-2008, 10:05 PM

Yep, my fusion was with two plates and 4 screws (one at the top and bottom of each plate). Screws in spine fusions are very very common.