Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease - Cervical
 

Hi all:

So, I have a confirmed dx of DDD in C2-C7. "Worse than moderate" degeneration in C4-5 and C5-6.

I'm actually getting agreement from the WC doc that surgery (and probably more than one) will be required. Probably the first within the next year or so.

I have a deep prejudice that I want the surgery done by a neurosurgeon. At that level, they're talking serious quad results with a screwup. But other people are telling me that anterior fusions are frequently done by orthopedic surgeons.

Any studies? Opinions? Anecdotes?

Thanks.

Sandi

Sandi,

The way it was explained to me, in determining which type of specialist to seek is: when it is primarily bone, it's better to have an ortho. surgeon; when it entails bones and nerves, then a neurosurgeon is the pref.

I would go with a neurosurgeon. You don't want to fool around with nerves.

My first fusion at age 16 was done by an orthopedic and I had no problems for 33 years until the DDD showed up under that one.

Next I had foraminotomies done by a neurosurgeon.

However I am still left with nerve pain.

Please research really well before making your decision.

Sandi,

Since you asked...I would definitely go with a Neurosurgeon. I had a fusion done at the C3/C4 (considered a very serious level due to the phrenic nerve that controls your breathing). I had the same NS do a fusion of the C5/C6 two years later. Actually, what SpineUniverse says is that either an NS or OSS can do the cervical fusions. But then it goes on to say that it is the Neurosurgeons that have more advanced training. But I can tell you also that the spine group I go to was the first in the United States to do the artifical disc for the cervical spine and actually it was the OSS that headed that up. However, my thoughts are...since those levels are high up there or any level in the neck for that matter...I would go with an NS before I would go with an OS...just my own preference though.

Neuro or Ortho
 

Hi, thought I would throw in my two cents. I had ACDF on C3-C7 in 2004. My doc was the same ortho surgeon who did my lumbar fusion. He has a great reputation and I trusted him completely. My recovery was excellent and the objectives of surgery were met. The only other 2 people that I know personally who have had cervical fusion were my brother and my stepmother. Both of them had single level fusion and they used neurosurgeons. Both had a multitude of problems and my brother is still going through the mill trying to get reasonable relief from pain. I guess the main thing is to choose a doc who you have heard other people have been happy with, who has a good reputation, and who you feel you can trust. I'm not saying one is better than the other, this is just my experience. Best of luck!
Kat

I too had ACDF on 12/13/07, C6-7. I had an orthopedic surgeon handle everything. He had to do a little nerve work but the majority of my surgery was bone. I have a titanium plate, screws, and donor bone in place of my disc.

It's been almost five weeks - I'm doing great. Very little pain, and very little that involves having to take meds. I've followed my very conservative doctor's orders - no physical activity aside from walking (ie no weightlifting), no lifting over 2 lbs, no driving, etc. It does suck but I have to attribute it to my great recovery thus far.

I'm no expert, but I am more than happy with my orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in spines and I trust him completely. My experience was a good one.

:)
Kelly

Dr Jho
 

Have you heard about this neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh? I guess he's really good. I'm going to see him on the 28th of this month for my c-spine. Before you have fusion, he might be looking into.

Marshall

I must be frustrating for you
 

how do you choose? I have always had success when I get a second opinion. after looking at your fims, a good surgeon should be able to tell you that, for example, that your surgery isn't brain surgery, or if there is anything they see in the films that might make it tricky. Another thing you might want to do is to ask the surgeon who he will be sending you to for pysical therapy. Sometims, you can get an appt before the surgery to learn some exercises to do before the surgery to strengthen the muscles tha will atrophy the most.
Good luck

Hi Sandi, I had a 2 level fusion in 2004 done by a neurosurgeon. I had a 2 level lumbar fusion done by an orthopedic surgeon who is a spinal specialist. If you do decide to go with an ortho make sure he has a fellowship in spinal surgery. If not then I'd go with a neurosurgeon. Like you I wouldn't just let anyone operate on my neck. Hope everything works out for you. Dee

I've had a cervical fusion
 

I had a fusion at C-4 through C-6 because of DDD performed by a neurosurgeon. My ortho sent me to him, so I would say find a good neuro. Mine is wonderful. I also had a laminectomy of L3-L5. I still have sciatica because of nerve damage which we are investigating. He doesn't want to do a fusion there because he said it would basically mess up the rest of my back because the lumbar region is designed to be mobile. Make sure you find a neuro you can TALK to and who answers your question and is concerned about YOU as a total person. I went to one who looked at my MRI and said, flatly, "There's nothing I can do for you," and walked out. I chased him out of the room, in tears, asking if I had to endure the pain forever, and he said until I am 60 or 70 years old! I'm only 54--that's along time to be in agony! The fibro is bad enough, along with the sciatica, without all the numbness and pain from the DDD!!!

Good luck and God bless you! Let me know how it goes. Email me if you'd like.