Bones to weak for surgery

[mollysuki]

My bones are too weak to have spinal surgery because the bones are not strong enough to hold screws cage etc.

I was told some time ago now that I would most likely need to have replacement knees and hip replacement because of arthritis.

If my bones are not strong enough to hold screws etc does this mean that replacement of knees and hips won’t be possible?

Thanks in advance

[Posy-White]

Hello Mollysuki

I was told the same with regard to spinal surgery - but understood this is very different to hip (well it's your thigh bone) and knee surgery.

With spinal surgery your spin it's often patched with your own bones such as thigh and 'wired and nut & bolted' - should any one of these come loose it's all a bit too close to your spinal cord so you could very easily become more disabled and or in more pain than before surgery.

With knee and hip ‘replacements’ as I understand it in very lay terms, the worn bone is removed and the new replacement 'top section' is added - the bone it is added to is one of the stronger bones in any of us. I don't think any surgeon would do the op unless chances of improvement out way risk.

It's all a bit of a worry to work out how to make the right choices - guess talking to the surgeon about the OS concerns and making sure they know your risk factors is the only way you can feel confident about the best way for you.

Best Wishes

Posy White

[mollysuki in reply to Posy-White]

Thank you for replying. Yes it’s all a bit worrying. It’s enough to deal with OP without all the extra health issues that having OP brings.

I don’t need the surgery on hip/knee yet so will wait until I do then we’ll see what’s said about the bones.

Thank you again

[Sunseaandsand]

Hi Mollysuki.

This is something that I have often thought about.

The hips especially, although it is not something I have looked into, my way of thinking is what are they going screw into if the bones are as weak as they are.

They told me I could not have Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty because the bones next to my fractures were too weak to withstand it.

Another orthapedic surgeon told me my bones are full of holes

He could have delivered that news in a more gentle way!!

I would imagine that regarding any surgery to hips and knees they would now hold off on, unless absolutely necessary.

I am sure if there comes a time in the future when either operation is needed it would be looked into very carefully.

Take and stay safe.

[mollysuki in reply to Sunseaandsand]

The spinal surgeon said “ your spine’s a mess and I can’t do anything for you”. As you said it could have been said in a different manner.

I sometimes think that the professionals don’t realise the devastating effects when told the news!

[Sunseaandsand in reply to mollysuki]

I think bed side manner is a thing of the past.

A pleasant consultant is hard to find, a smile for instance makes everything so much easier.

[fmkkm]

Hi,Sorry I’m so late in seeing your post. I really feel for you, I get tired of feeling bad too!

I was curious about bone drugs, which ones you may have tried or are now taking. I will have to make this decision soon and would appreciate your take on it.

Thanks so much💕

[Beeblebev]

Oh your post is very interesting to me as I have osteoporosis (wedge fracture to T11 caused me to get diagnosed). Prior to that I have had a lower back problem for the past 10yrs. Spondylolisthesis which has got worse and slipped more over the past few years.My spinal consultant has now said I should be listed for spinal surgery. Fusion and decompression before my bones get weaker and I am older and not able to recover from the surgery as well.

Has anyone got a similar experience that they could share with me please?