CONDITIONS
Broken or Loose Spinal Instrument
Broken or loose spinal instrumentation is a sign that the spine did not fuse after spinal fusion surgery. Metal screws, rods, and plates are strategically placed during surgery to immobilize the spine, allowing it to fuse into one solid bone. This is crucial, as bone growth is only possible when the individual bones are stationary, just like when casts are used to immobilize broken bones. Spinal instrumentation serves as a substitute for casts. Once the fusion process is complete and the bones have grown together, the natural bone will take over the role of keeping the spine in alignment, and the metal implants will no longer experience any stress.
However, if the fusion process fails, the spinal implants will continue to bear stress, leading to potential breaking or loosening. This can result in abnormal motion and instability, causing pain. For those who suspect or have been diagnosed with broken or loose spinal instrumentation, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention from a spine surgeon to restore the spine’s health and functionality.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
The signs of broken or loose spinal instrumentation can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the location of the instrumentation along the spine. This can cause symptoms such as:
- Persistent pain
- Limited range of motion
- Changes in spinal alignment
- Numbness or tingling
- Decreased stability
- Weakness
- Radiating pain
- Increased pain with movement
It’s important to note that some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms despite having broken or loose spinal instrumentation. In such cases, the issue may be detected during routine imaging studies or follow-up appointments. For patients who are experiencing symptoms, diagnosis will involve an evaluation combining a clinical assessment and imaging studies. It is important to review medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination to evaluate neurological function, range of motion, and other signs of spinal instability; if any conditions are identified that contributed to a failed fusion they need to be addressed. Imaging studies such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan may be ordered to visualize the spinal instrumentation and identify any potential complications.
Treatment
The goal of treatment for broken or loose spinal instrumentation is to restore alignment and stability to the spine. This can typically be done surgically.
Surgical intervention
- Revision surgery If the hardware failure is significant or causing symptoms, revision surgery may be necessary. This involves removing the broken or loose components and replacing them with new instrumentation.
- Hardware removal In certain cases where the hardware is causing discomfort but the spine remains stable, the surgeon may opt to remove the broken or loose components without replacing them.
- Reconstruction surgery If the broken or loose spinal instrumentation is causing severe issues and is affecting the stability and integrity of the spine, particularly spinal alignment and balance spine reconstruction may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the affected hardware, addressing the underlying issues contributing to the failure, fusing the problematic vertebrae, and providing stability to the spine. Reconstruction may involve the use of new instrumentation, bone grafts, and other techniques to restore the structural integrity and alignment of the spine.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact
Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.
-
HOURS
MONDAY - FRIDAY • 8:30AM - 4:30PM
-
LOCATION
GET IN TOUCH
Contact
Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.
-
HOURS
MONDAY - FRIDAY • 8:30AM - 4:30PM
-
LOCATION