Flatback Syndrome

[Marns1]

Hi All

Old member returning to the Fold

I need some help regarding "Flatback Syndrome", I have Harrington Rods for Scheuermans Disease which I have now had for 22yrs, over the last few years I have been experiencing severe lower back pain radiating through to my legs etc, I am unable to stand in an upright position for extended periods of time, I feel like I am falling forward, walking for long periods is exhausting, sitting at an office desk all day is killing me, i compensate with my knees and hips to just stand up straight there are other issues as well but I could type all day on those.

After trawling the internet I came across some articles regarding "Flatback Syndrome" as an after affect of having Harrington Rods amongst other things.

I am currently seeing a surgeon in Sydney (6hrs from home) as no Dr in my home town & surounding will/want/could help me. When i mentioned this "Flatback Syndrome" to him he said "I did not put those words in your mouth"??? why will he not/can't acknowledge this?? there are very few article from Australia on this syndrome and I am just wondering why this is.

Any input would really be appreaciated.

Thanks
Marns

[JoJo1984]

Hi!
I can maybe offer some help on this as I had my second surgery in 2008 as I had severe flatback syndrome as a resul of my first fusion in 2004.
I too couldnt stand upright without bending my knees and the pain was awful. I ended up having an osteotomy (breaking the spine in 4 places) to reshape my spine so I have a curve now. Its pretty much that in correcting the curve from scoliolsis they made my spine straight to look at from the back but lost the curve from side view.
I had a good surgeon who knew his stuff and although not much of a people person he made me feel confident in his abilities.
If you need any info or want to talk about it please just ask as I know there are very limited resources on this topic and I felt in the dark for quite a while.