ajfinsand

The purpose of the titanium plate (or 12" rods and screws in my case) is to provide stability (prevent any movement) to the are that is being fused. Think of it as a 'splint' that is applied to a broken finger.....just there to keep things immobile until the bone heals. Same thing. Some people have adverse reactions to the titanium plates or other hardware causing irritation and inflamation, and thereby PAIN, to the surrounding tissue and muscles, which necessitates it's removal once fusion is complete. After you have fused the plate is no longer needed becasue the bone is solid and can no longer move. If you don't have any problems with the plate being left in then they just leave it in to avoid another surgery.

aj in Oregon



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~ 48 year old female; currently self-employed as an artist/designer/woodcrafter.
~ Previously worked in the restaurant biz for 27 years (not so good for someone with a bad back!)
~ Hereditary and congenital scoliosis, but it never caused any problems until I was 40+ years old.
~ 76 degree curvature had increased 2 degrees in two years 1999-2001; indicating surgery was necessary.
~ Surgery in March of 2001.
~ Fusion and insturmentation of C7 - T9.
~ Fourth rib removed; 5th and 6th rib cut back halfway; removed ribs were morselized and used for the grafting, plus additional bone harvested from hip.
~ After tthe hardware was attached, spine was straigntened 20+ degrees.
~ 2 weeks in the hospital.
~ Brace worn for five months. Bone growth stimulator device also worn several hours per day.
~ PT 5 mos. after surgery caused increased pain.
~ Follow-up surgery to remove hardware scheduled for Feb. 2002.
~ Round 2 of PT 2 mos. after hardware removal.
~ Medically released to return to full activity in July 2002.
~ Increased pain upon returning to regular work schedule.
~ Round 3 of PT in April/May 2003; continually increasing pain.