I was diagnosed with bilateral pars defect of L5. I underwent several conservative treatments that did nothing for the pain (chiro, PT, injections, etc) and finally had an interbody fusion with laminectomy and nerve root recompression. The surgery was a month ago today, so I can't yet tell you if it will help with the pain. I hope this helps you. Good luck.

Im in the same boat as sickntired. Im healing from a fusion, it involved 3 levels of my spine and a pars defect.

I think taking the titanium out might actually make the pain you're experiencing worse. Maybe ask your physician for a full explanation of what needs to be done and why, remind the doctor you arent trained in this so you need laymans terms.

After all, it is your body, and he/she is the mechanic. You are hiring them to fix you. Ever hear of a mechanic that does the job without telling you what he did or what parts needed to be replaced or were replaced? same situation, except this is serious business. Its your body. Demand answers you can understand.

Be well! and BE STRONG!