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Suggest Treatment For Back Pain, Sciatica And Spondylolisthesis

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Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2015
Question: Im almost 16 months post L4-5. Very little bone growth- still have 4mm spondiolethese (sp?). Another fusion is scheduled for july 16. 2 days ago, there was a sudden signifinct increase in back pain and sciatica. Iwill be getting another round of spinal injections on Tuesday. Although i wear rhe orthobrace except for sleep.
I'm always concerned that the hardware is going to fail. When i get sudden change in symptons i dont know if it from too much activity or possible hardware failure.
What are the symtoms of hardware failure? If hardware failed could i still keep my july 16 surgical date or would it need to occur sooner? I am having a nuclear bone scan today.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pain will increase on hard ware failure.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.

Pain will increase on hard ware failure.

Solid fusion is important to stabilize fixation.
You should use supportive brace and immobilisation to avoid pain.

If there is increase in neurological weakness or numbness then only earlier surgery is required ,other wise you can plan for 16 july.

For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication like pregabalin can be can be started consulting your doctor.

I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (18 hours later)
Thank you for your answer. I do wear a ortho frame, on my 2nd bone stimulator, kept with 10# lifting restriction for past 16 months. My d3 is 38 and my b12 is >2000. I understand the Vit D3 with bone healing but how does B12 connect?
I had a bone scan today with no concentration or hot spot to show recent bone growth around the fusion.
I am on gabapentin 600 mg. thinking of asking to have that increased.
Still having significantly more pain and sciatica. Using a cane as feet are on fire (bottom burns), im afraid im going to fall. Hard to keep foot on gas and brake while driving due to pain .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
B 12 is important for bone strengthening along with boron,vit K2.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

B 12 is important for bone strengthening along with boron,vit K2.
Take supplements for vit D.

That’s good that your bone scan is normal.

You are already taking high dose of pregabalin I will not advise to increase dose further.

Take rest and walk with support.

You can continue with your planned surgery date.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 5164 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Back Pain, Sciatica And Spondylolisthesis

Brief Answer: Pain will increase on hard ware failure. Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case. Pain will increase on hard ware failure. Solid fusion is important to stabilize fixation. You should use supportive brace and immobilisation to avoid pain. If there is increase in neurological weakness or numbness then only earlier surgery is required ,other wise you can plan for 16 july. For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication like pregabalin can be can be started consulting your doctor. I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.