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Sun, 11/01/2009 - 12:46
shaving off bone spurs
I just went into see an OS because I fell. In the new X-ray, he showed me bone spurs that are very close to touching.
Can someone give me some information about bone spurs? Should I be worried about them ever touching each other?
The OS said that the bone spurs could not be shaved off, but I thought I read some where they could be.
He said the next step would fusion.
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Nice to hear from you. How have you been feeling other than the fall? I assume you are back to work....?
If you understood what the OS said, I have no idea what he is talking about. Perhaps he is talking about vertebrae touching? Bone spurs or osteophytes are little bony growths that come about as a part of a degenerative process.
Read all about them here:
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/back-pain/bone-spurs-osteophytes-...
OK, I found a diagram and now I think I understand. The bone spurs that I was thinking of grow into the foramina and they can be shaved off. But when there is instability in the back,and degeneration in a disc, sometimes the vertebrae will grow bone spurs in the body's attempt to increase stability. (I am sending the diagram in a PM). I think this is what your OS was probably referring to. Is it at the same disc where you had the two surgeries?
spondylolisthesis at L4-5; stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5
radiculopathy for about 3 years
PLIF (L4-L5)in Jan '08 (PEEK cage, rods & Screws, BMP); continued radiculopathy....
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan '09; continued radiculopathy;
Bulging discs L3-4 & L5-S1; crazy screwed-up S1 nerve
***** I have no medical training and am in no way connected with the medical profession, other than doing my part to keep them at full employment. My posts are based on personal experience and knowledge gained through the adventures of living. Take them for what they are worth....
Actually, I have been doing great up until the fall. The fall reignited some of the old pains but the medrol pack is helping. I am crossing my fingers that once the steroids wears off that I will be feeling better.
My new OS said that I will probably have to deal with intermittent chronic back pain for the rest of my life.
Do you have a new OS since your last surgery?
spondylolisthesis at L4-5; stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5
radiculopathy for about 3 years
PLIF (L4-L5)in Jan '08 (PEEK cage, rods & Screws, BMP); continued radiculopathy....
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan '09; continued radiculopathy;
Bulging discs L3-4 & L5-S1; crazy screwed-up S1 nerve
***** I have no medical training and am in no way connected with the medical profession, other than doing my part to keep them at full employment. My posts are based on personal experience and knowledge gained through the adventures of living. Take them for what they are worth....
I don't know much about the different kinds of bone spurs, but I do know that they can be shaved off. My surgeon took several of mine off. My bone spurs were a big source of pain for me (one of several) and I am glad he was able to get most of them (some were in a bad spot and he couldn't get to them). Gwennie's answer was much more informative than mine, just thought I would give my two cents worth.
Take care and have a good day,
Sinerely,
Rachel
Front and back alif, fusion l-5, s-1 09/09. Microdiscectomy 12/08. Meds: Norco, cymbalta.
Life is beautiful!!