[kshabibi]

#11767

Hi Dr. Corenman.

I am 8 weeks post op for ACDF level 6-7. I would say my symptoms haven’t gotten better and possibly worse. Prior to op i had tingling/weakness on left arm primarily and a little weak in the left leg. 8 -weeks post op these symptoms are the same and I have the following new symptoms:

– Tingling/numbness in my left leg (from knee down to the foot). This is almost constant now.
– More burning/tingling on my left arm. Seems stronger and more prolonged through the day.
– A little tingling/numbness on my right hand too now.

I got an x-ray done and it was normal.

Any thoughts on what could be going on? Do you recommend an MRI to see what is going on?

I am doing physical therapy as well.

I’ve been to my surgeon a few times describing these but i feel he took the issues lightly. I’m not sure if i’m panicking or doing the right thing to let him aware of my situation and whether i should give it more time.

Thanks.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#11770

You first must describe what the pathology was that led to the surgery. Did you have a disc hernation or bone spurs? Did you have nerve root compression or cord compression or both? What was done with the ACDF? Any complications? What do the post operative X-rays reveal?

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[kshabibi]

#11771

I had a bulging disc – which was the primary pathology that the surgery was intended to address.

Here’s was my pre-surgery MRI report:

The C2-c3 interverteberal disc is normal.

There is a small central protrusion at c3-c4 with mild disc bulge, causing mild bilateral neural foraminal stenosis

There is a mild disc bulge at c4-5 without significant stenosis

At the c5-c6 level, there is a left central ostephyte protrusion causing mild central canal stenosis. There is a mild bilateral neural foraminal stenosis, left greater than right.

There is a focal disc protrusion at c6-c7 spanning 7mm in the AP dimension and deforming the left ventral hemicord. There is a mild to moderate left nueral foraminal stenosis and mild right nueral foraminal stenosis as well

The C7-T1 intervertebral disc is normal

IMPRESSION:
1. Left central disc protrusion at c6-c7 with underlying disc bulge, causing moderate to severe central canal stenosis with ventral cord deformity as well as moderate left and mild right neural foraminal stenosis.
2. Left central disc osteophytic protrusion at c5-c6 causing mild central canal stenosis and bilateral neural foraminal stenosis, left greater than right.
3. Mild bilateral foraminal stenosis at c3-c4 related to disc bulge with small superimposed central protrusion

[Donald Corenman]

#11778

Dr. Corenman is out of the country until December 14. He will reply when he returns. Sorry for the delay.

[kshabibi]

#12150

Hi Dr. Corenman. I’m 5 months post ACDF. My symptoms aren’t any better so i had an MRI done through my primary doctor.

The report mentioned a mild disc bulge at the ACDF site. I’m confused how there could be a mild disc bulge if the disc was removed.

I was wondering if i could send my MRI images (on a disc) or maybe post them for a quick glance.

thanks.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#12155

The questions I have are what your symptoms were before surgery, what surgery was performed and then, how have your symptoms changed after the procedure?

See the section “how to describe symptoms” to fully understand how to convey what your complaints are.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

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