severe PAIN at bone graft site - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Merci · 06-03-2003, 08:32 AM

my mate is 2 wks post op of a bone graft from his hip to use in spinal fusions. the pain from the graft site is much more severe than the fusion site. anyone have similar experience? how long does the severe pain from the graft site last? wondering if this is normal.

more · 06-03-2003, 09:07 AM

I also had more pain in the graft site - the way they explained it to me is they take the bone from the site and it takes alot of pressure. They more or less break off a piece of the bone.

The pain for me was pretty intense the first couple of weeks and gradually got better. I still get some discomfort in that site when I overexercise it. It has now been 15 months since surgery.

But if it is severe pain contact the doctor.

Cherylha · 06-03-2003, 09:23 AM

Hi Marci,
That is the worst part about using your own bone for the fusion is the pain afterwards. I've used my own hip bone for 2 ACDF's in the past 8 months. Both times the graft was taken from the same side. The first time I thought I was going to die from the intense pain, but the 2nd time it is not as bad. Your husband will find that when the weather changes, his hip will bother him. The best thing he can do is walk and walk some more. His hip will more then likely bother him for quite a while.

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Cheryl
ACDF C5/C6 in 10/02 w/plating & screws Used own hip bone. Severe cord compresssion w/myelopathy.
ACDF C4C5 5/23/03 w/plating & screws. Used own hip bone again.

joprud · 06-03-2003, 05:43 PM

Hi Merci,

Welcome...you're mate is lucky to have your support...I'm sure the wonderful folks here will be able to help you to help your mate with his concerns...I wish you all the best!

Take Care,

Joanne

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Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,acupuncture all to no avail.

Merci · 06-03-2003, 06:27 PM

Thanks to all who responded. He went to the Dr. today and was told his pain at the graft site did seem to be more intense than most, but that many had severe pain from their bone grafts. The site was ok, no infection etc. 2 wks post op. Good luck to all of you and thanks again for your kind responses.