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Bone Graft Donor Site Pain


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#1 jacques

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Posted 06 October 2009 - 09:25 PM

During operations on my spine in the 80's and eraly 90's, I had bone taken from the pelvic area for various reaons - initially to create a graft on a fractured transverse facet and subsequently to replace discs removed at L5 & S1.

Over the years, I have experienced varying levels of pain or discomfort which, I am advised, emanate from the graft donor sites and although I have been told that it is not uncommon, no-one seems to be able to tell me whether or not something can be tried to reduce. Apart from, that is, topical or swallowed analgesics aimed at nerve pain (e g ibuprofen).

Has anyone had any assistance with this?

Any pointers would be welcome

#2 Avocado Baby

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Posted 06 October 2009 - 09:46 PM

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear about your pain. I can empathise! I find Ibuprofen does nothing for nerve pain. I'm on Pregabalin (Lyrica) for nerve pain. I know people who take Gabapentin, which is similar.

Hope you get some relief soon.
Paraplegic with Spina Bifida. Sensory and function level is T8. T11-L5 fusion 1993. Laminectomy and decompression T10 2006. Spinal fusion T8-T12 with instrumentation Feb 2007. Moderate kyphoscoliosis. Taking 75mg Lyrica 3xday for neuropathic pain.

#3 Johnny V

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Posted 06 October 2009 - 10:10 PM

View Postjacques, on Oct 6 2009, 10:25 PM, said:

During operations on my spine in the 80's and eraly 90's, I had bone taken from the pelvic area for various reaons - initially to create a graft on a fractured transverse facet and subsequently to replace discs removed at L5 & S1.

Over the years, I have experienced varying levels of pain or discomfort which, I am advised, emanate from the graft donor sites and although I have been told that it is not uncommon, no-one seems to be able to tell me whether or not something can be tried to reduce. Apart from, that is, topical or swallowed analgesics aimed at nerve pain (e g ibuprofen).

Has anyone had any assistance with this?

Any pointers would be welcome


I would say to get a good attorney.

#4 greybeard

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Posted 06 October 2009 - 10:20 PM

View Postjacques, on Oct 6 2009, 10:25 PM, said:

During operations on my spine in the 80's and eraly 90's, I had bone taken from the pelvic area for various reaons - initially to create a graft on a fractured transverse facet and subsequently to replace discs removed at L5 & S1.

Over the years, I have experienced varying levels of pain or discomfort which, I am advised, emanate from the graft donor sites and although I have been told that it is not uncommon, no-one seems to be able to tell me whether or not something can be tried to reduce. Apart from, that is, topical or swallowed analgesics aimed at nerve pain (e g ibuprofen).

Has anyone had any assistance with this?

Any pointers would be welcome

As far as I know, bone is normally harvested from the iliac crest of the pelvis. As there isn't much flesh over this bony area, topical ibuprofen or the stronger ketopfrofen gels may well reduce the discomfort. I use ketoprofen gel round an artificial knee implant where I've had nerve pain since the surgery. It does help.

Carpe Diem


#5 jacques

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Posted 07 October 2009 - 01:34 PM

Thanks for that. I'd not heard of ketoprofen and will find out more.

#6 greybeard

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Posted 07 October 2009 - 03:13 PM

View Postjacques, on Oct 7 2009, 02:34 PM, said:

Thanks for that. I'd not heard of ketoprofen and will find out more.

I don't know your location, but it is available on prescription only in the UK. Two brand names for you Tiloket and Powergel. I believe there are others but Google should find you something.

Carpe Diem





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