[sandi_k]

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

[Bobbi]

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.

[tiggers]

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.

[Kathi49]

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.

[katshorses]

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

[Redhotbeads]

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

[df847455]

I have to decide whether to get the other two levels fused or do the Minimally Invasive Procedure by Dr. Jho. If I decide to use my traditional surgeon who is renowned how well could I move my neck if c3 to c7 were fused. I know what the doctor said, but I want to hear from someone who had it done. Please feel free to write me directly if you want. Thanks, david

[gizmogirl]

My understanding of a fusion is that you might have fine range of motion after a fusion that went well and healed well (bone grew throughout). However, you have to know how to take care of it afterwards, which wasn't explained to me. No jackhammering or splitting logs because force is now multiplied to the disc above or below the fusion. None of the kind of straining work that would blow a disc, because you will blow a disc above or below the fusion more easily than if have no fusion. Sometimes you are supposed to practice using only Eg 70% of your available range of motion to avoid putting strain above or below the fusion. You should get second opinions on these questions and on what you can expect after the fusion from both doctors and physical therapists who have experience with cervical fusion.
Good luck

[mkamph]

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

Originally Posted by sandi_k

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

[gizmogirl]

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