Q&A: Screws & Rods for Spine Surgery

Q&A: Do the screws & rods come out after you’re healed (fused)? Or are you stuck with them for the rest of your life?

Typically the screws stay in. There’s no reason to go through another surgery unless there’s a deep infection near the screws, they become painful, or the surgery has to be revised or extended. When there is pain after a successful fusion, it’s usually not from the screws. It’s usually an issue with muscle weakness or tightness, a lack of muscular balance. So, I don’t remove screws unless there’s a reason. Most people do perfectly fine with them left in place. ~Dr. Cyr #SASpine