Should I Remove My Lumbar Hardware ?

When a broken bone is repaired with a plate and screws and the patient complains of continued pain one of the first consideration is whether or not to remove the hardware. Frequently it turns out the hardware is the source of the symptoms and most patients who undergo hardware removal are very satisfied. Similar studies show that individuals with continued lumbar pain from symptomatic hardware are also very satisfied with metal removal. Unfortunately when it comes to the lumbar spine if the MRI is inconclusive the patient is frequently told that there is nothing that can be done. No consideration is given to symptomatic hardware. This is a brief discussion by Dean E. Smith MD regarding hardware removal from the lumbar spine. Dr. Smith is a board-certified fellowship trained spinal surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive spinal procedures of the neck and lower back.