Question
Hi,
I have spinal stenosis and degenerative disk disease. In February 2006 I had L4-L5-S1 fused with two rods and six screws to repair pinch sciatic nerves in my legs. I started having pain in my back and right leg again in March 2008.Went to my surgeon and told him of my pain and he said I shouldn抰 have any pain I fixed you. Then he put up the x-rays I just had taken and he said, OH YOU BROKE A ROD. The rod broke between my L4 and L5 on my right side. He hasn抰 given me an answer if the broken rod needs replaced or removed. He wants to see me in for months. Will the broken piece of rod fall out? Does it need replaced?  I feel my doctor doesn抰 care. I filed for disability and he and he isn抰 backing me. I抦 52 years old.Will another surgen want to fix me or am I stuck with this guy?


Answer
Mark,

surgery is always the last resort because it never works out, it should be outlawed. Find another doctor, this guy sounds like a real tool. If the rod displaces through the skin, the instability will be the least of your problems, like infection. Get another opinion right away and don't look back!


Dr. Timothy Durnin