Hello, and just a thought. I would be very careful in your decision to proceed with the surgery. I had the first surgery, and didn't know that verterbre above and below the surgical site were damaged. I was not told, nor did I look at my medical records. You are getting a heads up notice, that the verterbre above and below arn't in such good shape. This is a concern, as they need to be strong enough to handle the brackets, plates, screws, cage or what have you. My fusion did NOT hold up and I experienced the domino effect. Was then fused, C3-7. I now have trouble at C1-2 and T 1-2-3. I will not have another surgery. Just get all the opinions you can regarding this issue. I know that sometimes you have to do the surgery. Ask your doctors more in depth about this subject, and continue to do some research if you can. I do wish you all the best in what every you decide to do. ginnie