Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubious
Hi Gabby,
A one (disc) level fusion is not a big deal really, if your surgeon is competent. I'm not sure if you meant C7-T1 fusion which would involve two (disc) levels. Incidence of non-union goes up some when fusing two contiguous disc levels. I am also not sure what you mean by the C1 area as there is no disc between the occiput and C1 and between C1 and C2.
I had a C5-C6 PEEK cage and anterior plate fusion for disc hernia related to a car accident. I had a very highly skilled neurosurgeon, spine fellowship-trained so it was not that big of a deal. Pain was annoying, swallowing was a pain in the butt for a bit but more than anything, I was plain bored for that 1 month of sitting at home. Pain meds easily controlled any discomfort. Now the shoulder reconstruction and CRPS 2 months later was a different story!
With a claw hand, surgery is certainly necessary and chances are very good that any result will likely be better than where he is now.
Good luck!
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Thank you Dubious,
Yes, you are correct it's the C7-T1 area. He will be having this procedure done at the Hospital For Special Surgery in NYC. He has had a Lumbar Fusion with them with great success. Actually his Lumbar was a revision because the first surgeon different hospital did a terrible job. Once I get the exact terminology of the procedure I will post and appreciate any input.
Will post once I know more.
Thanks again,
Gabbycakes