Spinal fusions and pregnancy

[EvenPhilip]

Dd has an instrumented L4-S2 fusion, anyone know what kind of impact this would have for future pregnancy?

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/30610987/

I suggest you find research studies as above.

I was fused in 1991 for a 75+ degree curve (Scoliosis). I've had 2 pregnancies, 2 elective sections. Took ages for the spinal block but we got there in the end.

I was fit and remained fairly active throughout both pregnancies.

From an anaesthetics point of view it may mean an epidural or spinal is more difficult/not possible. If/when she is pregnant she is someone that the anaesthetists would probably like to see in clinic so they is chance to make a plan & go through the risks & benefits in advance for epidural/spinal/what mode of anaesthetic would be best in an emergency. (DOI:anaesthetist)

Thanks all.

I've got scoliosis and had a fusion, and I'm a GP, so I've seen it from both sides! Your daughter would benefit from an anaesthetic review during pregnancy. The anaesthetist will advise if it will impact on anaesthetic options. In my case they thought spinal anaesthetic would be tricky but probably possible. My labour went wrong and I needed an emergency Caesarean, so there wasn't time for a spinal and I was done under GA. It wasn't ideal but we came out of it with a healthy mum and healthy baby so I can't grumble! Your daughter would be wise to ask to speak to a consultant obstetrician to check her fusion doesn't impact on the actual labour and birth; my consultant didn't think mine would, for what it's worth.

The fusions were for spondylolisthesis, I don't know if that's relevant?
She still has some back ache at times which made her concerned about being able to cope with the pregnancy but also I have read there is a high likelihood she could pass on the spondy which I believe can be linked to a faulty gene?

Forgot to add she has scoliosis also, but fairly mild .