Long term recovery after emergency operation to stabilise T11 burst fracture

[runner]

Lauren,

When I read about your symptoms, the same thoughts came to me as Maria. I wonder if you did not hurt the next disc down or another disc when you injured yourself.
Things like annular tears can be missed on diagnostic imaging.
I had leg numbness, pain down my legs (i.e. sciatica with both my L4/5 and L5/S1 discs) and that is a common symptom of nerve compression or irritation, along the sciatic nerve.
IMHO, I would go back to your original surgeon after one year has passed, sooner if your symptoms worsen, and tell him what you feel. We are kind of shooting in the dark, guessing what the symptoms mean but he should give you some answers.
Sometimes surgeons tell you that you should expect no more numbness/tingling because they are alerting you that if you have that, you should investigate further.
Good luck with your problem.

Runner