OK, so what exactly is sclerotic bone? I’m not an expert at all and don’t have the most complete understanding myself, but since I have been diagnosed with a lot of it I’ve taken some time to do some research and ask questions. This is clearly a problem for me and a primary purpose of this upcoming surgery so let’s dive in…
Sclerotic Bone
The pubmed definition says:
Bone sclerosis is a focal, multifocal, or diffuse increase in the density of the bone matrix on radiographs or computed tomography (CT) imaging. This radiological finding can be caused by a broad spectrum of diseases, such as congenital and developmental disorders, depositional disorders, and metabolic diseases.
According to my doctor, he believes mine is a result of too much surgery in the area, but he will be doing deep bone biopsies to be sure. Some of the other causes are yucky, like cancer. It is as if my bone was trying to grow more of itself in the area we wanted fusion to occur, but instead it just became sclerotic. No fusion, just these spiky nodules everywhere that feel like I have a mace in the front of my pelvis. This is especially un-awesome when doing things like riding my bike.
Here is an actual image of my anterior pelvis. Look at the pubic area. Those bumps are all sclerotic bone. When I spin the images to different angles, it is everywhere, front, back, bottom, in the center. You’re seeing just a portion of it here.
And for comparison, here is a healthy pelvis. (NOT my pelvis.) Notice the smooth bones!
Dr. Stoneback is going to remove all of my sclerotic bone and replace it with bones from my iliac crest and femur. Lots of it. And also get it all to fuse, whatever is left there. It sounds like quite a challenge!
In addition to the sclerotic bone, I also have one edema in those bones. But because of the sclerosis, those bones aren’t able to move and “breathe,” so I have all sorts of extra pressure. AND THEN, there is periostitis on top of it all, which is an inflammation of the periosteum, the “skin” around the bone.
What a Shock!
Seriously, when I went to my appointment in August with Dr. Mei-Dan, expecting to see fusion on the X-ray and instead seeing sclerotic bone, I was completely shocked. And angry. And confused. Hence my post about being crushed. And hence my complete lack of posts during these last few months.
I sure hope this clears it all up! We are just 9 days out…
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