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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Lumbar Fusion, Laminectomy And Cervical Fusion, In Pain. On Vicodin And Oxycodone. Why Is It Not Healing?

I was dx'd w T-11 compression fx-over a year ago. It was an old fx so kyphoplasty was not indicated. Been going to pain clinic am rx'd Vicodin 5/500w/50 mg's of Diclofinac quid. Most pain is at night - wakes me up 3-4 a.m. almost every night. I have had the shots, water p.t. and nothing is working. I was researching Lyrica, and I also think I need a new pain med, oxycodone perhaps? Also what do u think about Topamax? I have had 2 back surg's, Anterior lumbar fusion, laminectomy and a cervical fusion. I don't know why T-11 will not heal, nor does my Doc. I am seeing him tomorrow.
Fri, 27 Sep 2013
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Spine Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi
Thank you for your question to HCM.

A compression fracture usually heals and becomes painless in 6 months. If your pain has been persistent for over a year and particularly is pronounced at night this may need further evaluation. An examination is needed to find out whether point tenderness is present at the thoracolumbar junction area of your back. Also further imaging with CT can show if the fracture has healed and MRI will show if there is anything pathological that is keeping the fracture from healing.

As you have mentioned Lyrica (Pregabalin), oxycodone or even morphine if needed can be tried however basic cause of pain needs to be looked for with examination and imaging.

Hope this is helpful. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Had Lumbar Fusion, Laminectomy And Cervical Fusion, In Pain. On Vicodin And Oxycodone. Why Is It Not Healing?

Hi Thank you for your question to HCM. A compression fracture usually heals and becomes painless in 6 months. If your pain has been persistent for over a year and particularly is pronounced at night this may need further evaluation. An examination is needed to find out whether point tenderness is present at the thoracolumbar junction area of your back. Also further imaging with CT can show if the fracture has healed and MRI will show if there is anything pathological that is keeping the fracture from healing. As you have mentioned Lyrica (Pregabalin), oxycodone or even morphine if needed can be tried however basic cause of pain needs to be looked for with examination and imaging. Hope this is helpful. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.