ellencee**************......my husband had a fusion at L4-L5 with pedicle screw fixation, all titanium so we were told. thanks
Barring an additional accident/injury to the lumbar spine, it is not likely that this occurred after the surgery but rather occurred during the procedure when proper alignment was not achieved and the screw was inserted at such an angle that torque resulted in fracture of the screw.
Six month follow-up x-rays are not sufficient. Additional x-rays should have continued for at least for 16 months--not, that doing so would have prevented the need for a second surgery.
My suggestion is to have a totally non-related orthopedic surgeon assess your husband and perform the second surgery; that way, you will receive an objective finding or report.
Your husband has some serious choices to make. Is the pain from the broken screw real or is it pain from misalignment? Is it worth having this surgery performed again or is it something that physical therapy can treat?
Your husband may want to go ahead and consult with a medmal attorney. The statute of limitations must be protected and it seems your husband's claim could be very close to the end of the statute of limitations.
EC