08-16-2016, 01:19 AM
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/04/upshot....html?_r=1
Above is a recent article about several studies on spinal fusions and knee surgery. As far as spinal fusions, it states they do not work as apposed to conservative treatment physical therapy etc. I have read with certain injuries such as vertebrae fracture or if you are losing function of arm or leg, control of bladder and bowel, drop foot to name a few a fusion may necessary.
I have read forums and talked to many patients, patient advocates and doctors who agree spinal fusions do not work on most patients. Your spine may look better on an MRI, but you may not feel less pain and in fact you may feel worse.
I am asking injured workers to post under this who have had a spinal fusion or meniscus knee surgery to post of the are better, worse or the same and also if you had to have additional surgeries to help others who may be told they need these surgeries. You do not need to post specifics like level etc.
I will start. I had a milti- level lumbar fusion and my pain is much worse and so is my function. I have since had to have an additional surgery and I am being told by several doctors I need another fusion on the disc above. I was told this 2 years after my original fusion. I will not do an additional fusion and I am trying alternative treatment, home exercise etc.
Above is a recent article about several studies on spinal fusions and knee surgery. As far as spinal fusions, it states they do not work as apposed to conservative treatment physical therapy etc. I have read with certain injuries such as vertebrae fracture or if you are losing function of arm or leg, control of bladder and bowel, drop foot to name a few a fusion may necessary.
I have read forums and talked to many patients, patient advocates and doctors who agree spinal fusions do not work on most patients. Your spine may look better on an MRI, but you may not feel less pain and in fact you may feel worse.
I am asking injured workers to post under this who have had a spinal fusion or meniscus knee surgery to post of the are better, worse or the same and also if you had to have additional surgeries to help others who may be told they need these surgeries. You do not need to post specifics like level etc.
I will start. I had a milti- level lumbar fusion and my pain is much worse and so is my function. I have since had to have an additional surgery and I am being told by several doctors I need another fusion on the disc above. I was told this 2 years after my original fusion. I will not do an additional fusion and I am trying alternative treatment, home exercise etc.
I am not an attorney.Anything I write should not be considered legal advice.I am writing from my own personal experiences,which is not from any sort of legal background. You should consult with an attorney over legal issues. In California, if you cannot get an attorney you can consult with an I&A officer.