[Tenderfoot]

Can anyone explain why some surgeons don't give patients collars following multi-level ACDF please? Thanks in advance,

Tender x

[ginnie]

I think the reason for collars is based on just how much had to be done. My first fusion, I only wore one for three or four days. My second fusion C3-7 I wore one a few months. If the collar helps, I would wear one. ginnie

[Tenderfoot]

Thanks for your reply Ginnie, it seems my neurosurgeon doesn't "do" collars but from what I've read patients seem to find them invaluable :confused
Tender x

[ginnie]

while recoving, if it feels good do it!. I stopped wearing one when I started PT. I do wish you all the best. ginnie

[gatorhead]

I had two neck surgeries. The first surgeon used the collar, I had to wear it non stop for 92 days in the middle of a HOT Florida summer, yeah it was fuuuun. I was ACDF X2 with NO intrumentation.

Second was also ACDF X2 and this time I didn't have to wear that dreaded thing. I did have instrumentation this time and that is why I didn't have a collar.

Maybe that is the difference?

[Leesa]

I have a herniation in the cervical area -- I think it's C3-4. Once in awhile it acts up, and really HURTS. So I put the soft collar on, and it really helps to settle the darn thing down. Within a couple of hours, it has stopped hurting altogether!!! So I find it really invaluable!

You don't want to wear a collar constantly tho. I weakens the neck muscles and can cause atrophy. So a couple of hours on and a couple off, and back on and off again, etc.

Best of luck. Hugs, Lee

[Tenderfoot]

Thanks Gatorhead & Lee .
My Neuro's registrar mentioned they may use "nuts & bolts depending on what they found when they went in" so that could be it, thanks again
Will keep you all informed as & when
Tender x

[mg neck prob]

[QUOTE=Tenderfoot;942734]Can anyone explain why some surgeons don't give patients collars following multi-level ACDF please? Thanks in advance,

My surgeon said its based on the surgeons preference---mine put me in soft collar 6-8 weeks---he stated-- it aids in support of neck and allows more time to heal keeps the patient from moving around and turning or twisting too much is not good after surgery. I had hardware 2. Best wishes!!

[Leesa]

Yeah, that's the main reason any surgeon will have a patient use a collar. Some surgeons make you use a HARD collar which is miserable. Soft collars aren't bad at all, and they do offer support.

[Tenderfoot]

Thanks mg neck problem & Leesa. I'm worried about travelling home without neck support. It's the other drivers on the road who take risks that concern me. I'll just have to see what he says,
Tender x