Anyone have an anterior lumbar fusion?

[Arizona_928]

Broken hardware, failed to fuse posterior fusion.

Anyone have gone through the front side? General advice or expectations would be kinda cool to discuss.

[NY65912]

I did not have an anterior lumbar fusion but I did have a 3 level anterior cervical fusion which worked out very well.

I had a 2 level lumbar laminectomy done many years ago and still suffer pain.

Last year I went to see the surgeon who did my neck at NYC Hospital for Special Surgery (#1 ortho in the world). He said that they would have to go in posteriorly do what they need then go in anteriorly. 10 hour surgery, I passed.

Wishing you the best of luck

[MBAtarga]

My surgeon doesn't do anterior. He mentioned some number (4% maybe) of failures that result in incontinence or impotence. I had L4/5 posterior fusion back in July. Only now getting to "full" recovery.

[Halm]

What level is you failed fusion?

An anterior approach may be your best option. That said, I would look for a neurosurgeon that specializes in revision procedures.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Halm

What level is you failed fusion?

An anterior approach may be your best option. That said, I would look for a neurosurgeon that specializes in revision procedures.

l5-s1

The local neurosurgeons have no interest in revision procedures. There's an ortho spinethat has proposed t his fix and we vibed...

The first surgeon didn't put in a cage/spacer.

[Halm]

FWIW, I had L3-4-5 fusion in February, 2022.

I was in orthopedics for 25 years. I would not consider an orthopedic surgeon for anything spine related.

Also, I realize travel might be a PITA, but you should, IMHO, find the best neurosurgeon that specializes in revisions.

[Tobra]

You really want a good neurosurgeon for this sort of thing

[gchappel]

Anterior lumbar fusions are difficult. Find a really good surgeon, the average guy that stayed at a holiday inn express is not who you want.
I had a good friends wife that had one after several failed surgeries. Terrifically good outcome so far.
Good luck!!
Gary

[stevej37]

I had two compressed fractured vertebrae a year ago. The surgeon used balloon kyphoplasty to straighten the spine back to it's original curve.
The surgeon told me the only other option was fusion...

[Zeke]

If the surgeon did a fellowship at Mayo, that would be a good surgeon. That's who did my 3rd shoulder (same side) total replacement. Moving my arm above my head the next day, lying down. Hardly any PT required as I didn't atrophy. Wish he was my first surgeon instead of the one from Keck.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Halm

FWIW, I had L3-4-5 fusion in February, 2022.

I was in orthopedics for 25 years. I would not consider an orthopedic surgeon for anything spine related.

Also, I realize travel might be a PITA, but you should, IMHO, find the best neurosurgeon that specializes in revisions.

Originally Posted by Tobra

You really want a good neurosurgeon for this sort of thing

Thanks.
I'll see what I can find

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

Broken hardware, failed to fuse posterior fusion.

Anyone have gone through the front side? General advice or expectations would be kinda cool to discuss.

Oh, sounds painful. I really wish I had something useful to tell you but I don't.

- But I am hoping for the the best outcome. Take care Champ.