Is Skiing Advisable While Having Titanium Rods In The Back?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jan 2017

Question: Hi. I don't know if this could be answered, but I'll put the question just in case. Ten years ago I fractured and dislocated my spine (luckily not the cord, just the bone protecting it) in a fall from a ceiling. I now have titanium rods and screws in my back from the surgery to fuse the spine back together, which turned out very well without any problems. I am interested in the possibility of downhill skiing, which could involve the possibility of a fall here and there. My question is if I should fall on occasion (provided it's not a major fall that breaks a leg, for example), will the fall be likely to dislocate the rods and screws and cause damage to the spine?

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I usually advise all my spine operated cases not to indulge in sports like skiing, football, cricket, long jump etc.

Rods in spine as such cannot be dislocated unless some thrust occurs.

So, if you want to live symptomless then avoid thrust making games.

Skiing as such cannot cause any problem, but think if trauma occurs, and if dislocation occurs then whole surgery may be needed.

I hope it helps.

Dr.CHANDER XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy