Quote:
Originally Posted by ginnie
Have you gotten another opinion? The swing arm is very unusual. I had not seen it before. I hate the thought: of more fusion for you. Once C1-2 is fused, mobility does become an issue. Is he doing this to steady the bracket? Or is it because it is herniated? My Bracket is from C3-7. T1-2-3 are iffy for my future too. I will fight tooth claw and nail not to have any more done. Any way to re-do what you already have with a solid piece for stability? I am curious as to what your doctor is thinking. I sure hope you find a good solution, these back issues are no fun at all. ginnie   |
Ginnie - he is my second opinion
I am not sure why my prior NS did this swing arm other than stating there was some boney bridging at this level? but this is the level that failed. Anyway moving forward in addition to fixing this failed fusion level, the reason we are doing C2 is because of the progressive degeneration in just a years time, it is herniated with moderate stenosis. He said we could leave it but I would be back in another year. T1 has also started to bulge so again same reason as above. My NS stated the C2- T2 is the end stage to a bad neck stating C1 is robust and T2 is supported by the rib cage (plus C2, T1 levels are bad). The plan is through the back connective rods and screws all the way down. If I didn't have to already have to have surgery to fixed the failed level I certainly wouldn't be doing this
but based on the MRI I would rather do this now verses having to go in again in another year. Hoping his is my last neck surgery!