What is Scoliosis
Scoliosis affects all ages: infants, children, adolescents, and adults. About 80% of scoliosis cases are called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Idiopathic means the...
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Flat Back Syndrome?
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So I had surgery for my scoliosis almost five years ago which included fusing 13 of my vertebrae and inserting two Harrington rods. Earlier this year, I became much more active and started running regularly. I had a lot of lower back pain and I went to a physical therapist. It helped for a little while but eventually the pain came back. I started to research online about the Harrington rod surgery and the information I found was really shocking. My doctor never said anything about Harrington rods being outdated technology and that there was a big possibility that it could cause Flat Back Syndrome. The symptoms of FBS seem to match what I'm experiencing - the pain, tendency to extend my hips/butt, and tendency to lean forward a bit when I walk or sit.
Am I being paranoid and these are just normal effects from the surgery? Or could I be at risk of having FBS? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Posted on 03/06/09, 10:03 am |
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You do present the standard symptoms of flatback syndrome. In flatback, the Harrington rods supposedly apply excess force on the spine to straighten it. Does your back appear flat as opposed to a back curve gently inward or forward [lordosis]. I have lordosis so my abdomen pouches out. Have you stopped running to see if that might have caused the pain? I suggest you return to your surgeon. Revision surgery is sometimes necessary. 
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I had the rod placed in 1979 and I have flat back syndrome. It's nearly impossible for me to run, however, I do power yoga every day and have found that's the best thing for me. Sure, it's a pain in the butt, however, the alternative isn't good and I've heard having the surgery to remove the rod is terribly risky and your vertibre are still fused together. I've lived this way a long time and I've just gotten used to having to pay attention to my posture. Good luck to you, I feel your discomfort.
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Hello, I was just wondering what lordosis is? I have had a herrington rod in my back for 30 years. I don't lean forward but my stomach does pop out, is that from this. It isn't worth it for me to ever remove the rod because it's been so long that i've had it, but I was wondering if it is as risky for GINNYR to have it removed, if it hasn't been as long. It's
true that since you were reading about it you could become more paranoid. I was that way when I found about the flatback syndrome also. I guess it depends if you feel that you are continuing to move forward from it, if you think that it is increasing, I would look into learning some more about it. Maybe physical therapy could help strengthen some muscles so you could be better supported. Maybe they have certain shoes you can try? I don't know but maybe there is? good luck
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Lordosis is the normal inward curve of the lower back. Or sometimes you see it in context meaning the absence of a normal curve [which would be flat back]. Confusing, isn't it? My surgeon made sure that i had an inward curve ... which yes pushes out the stomach. I still recommend seeing the surgeon or another ortho MD and let them diagnosis and prescribe whether it be physical therapy, etc.
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Are you sure that you have actual Harrington Rods? These haven't been used for scoliosis surgery in the US or the UK for over 20 years, and were almost never used in pairs. They have been replaced by newer instrumentation which is much more effective.
Some surgeons use the name "Harrington Rod" as a generic name for any scoliosis rod, so a lot of people get confused because they think they have them. The actual Harrington Rod is a specific type though, that ONLY attaches to the spine at the top and the bottom, and works on a rachet system. If you have anything that has screws or cross-links or bolts then you don't have a Harrington. Newer instrumentation improves upon the original Harrington design (which was the first ever scoliosis rod); it allows for the natural lordosis (backwaist curve) of the spine to be maintained, and does not cause Flatback Syndrome. This is a Harrington: http://kumis.org/ism4220/ldube/per... Flatback Syndrome can happen if someone is fused down into the lower lumbar with a Harrington (ie L3 or lower) but there are still a lot of people out there with Harrington Rods and no Flatback. Hope this helps :-)
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