4 replies to this topic

[chimneygirl]

Hi Everyone.

Im Scared!
Mr Soni at Southport has booked me in to have my Fixation taken out very soon!

Can anyone tell me how it was for them?

What was the pain like and the recovery time?

Im a T12 and my fixation runs from about T6 - L1 (Its long) Owch!

Cheers Michelle x

[Captain Pike]

I have a couple of fixations I wish he'd remove! I'm sorry to joke about something that must be very serious. But I don't know what a fixation is in terms of the spinal cord injury.

[lune14]

I have a feeling she means rods. ??? I've not had mine removed and honestly never considered it but then mine are next to the world's smallest in length. Any surgical procedure is invasive but in the minds of many, any foreign object in the body is just as intrusive systemically, down the line. Makes me think about having mine removed when I see it in that light but I tend to only think about it when it's brought up here so I guess it doesn't bother me that much LOL

In any case chimneygirl, I hope your procedure goes smoothly and recovery is fast.

[Chilepepper]

Spinal fixation devices provide stability and restore anatomic alignment in the treatment of fractures, degenerative disease, infection, and tumors and correct congenital deformities such as those seen in scoliosis. The devices provide immediate stability but are not strong enough to withstand prolonged stress and eventually fail, in most cases, if bone fusion does not occur. Bone graft material is often used to promote fusion and to replace bone after resection. Internal fixation is used to maintain position and alignment and to prevent motion as the spine fuses. Plates and rods are attached to the vertebral body or posterior elements with wire, screws, and hooks. Screws and wire can also be used alone as a means of fixation. Surgical techniques and instrumentation have advanced in recent years, and radiologists are exposed to a myriad of devices. They need to be able to identify the various plates, screws, wiring techniques, and grafts used most commonly and to understand their function in the cervical spine for fusions and treatment of fractures and degenerative disease.


I've had my rods taken out and it was the best thing that ever happened to me in with regards to being able to bend over with out any pain in my back. With out the rods you will have lots more movement in the back. But I must say taking them out in very painful. Will take time for the healing process to complete. So good luck and all will be well after sometime.

[chimneygirl]

Thankyou Chillipepper!

I could not have explained what a fixation is any better!

Thankyou for the reality of it, as i did not realise it would be so painful in my ignorance!
How long ish until i will be able to go back to work - get my chair in/out of car etc?

Cheers Michelle