[carolns]

#10493

I had my posterior cervical decompression fusion of c2 c3 and a screw put in one side of c4 FOUR weeks ago.
I am doing well but I am wondering if the amount of pain I have is normal. When I first came home I took 12 Tylenol #3 every 24 hours. Now I take mostly 1 or 2 every 24 hours. Is it normal after 4 weeks to have some pain?
I do know they cut through muscle so maybe this is why? I see my NS 6 more weeks in Halifax.
Those stitches I was concerned about are all dissolved. Thank you for all your help .Carolns

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#10503

The pain from upper posterior cervical fusion does take some time to “calm down”. Your pain medication intake is spot on with what would be expected in most cases.

I do not understand why one screw was put into C4. Either C4 was included in the fusion (fusion C2-4) and two screws were put into C4 or there was a misdictation and screws were put only into C2 and C3.

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.

[carolns]

#10507

When he was looking at the MRI he was talking kind of to himself and said….we will put a screw in c4 as the other side is already fused from arthritis.

Just read the report before surgery and it says: c2 to c4
posterior decompression and instrumented reconstruction.

On her ct scan she does have a non fusion at c3-4 and therefore augmenting this level with screws would not alter her biomechanically. He calls it a c2-c4 posterior decompression and fusion.
When I see him the end of April I am going to ask him what is inside me. So this must mean I had a 2 level fusion? thanks so much Carolns

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#10508

You most likely have a two level fusion (C2-4). That will not cause any significant changes.

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.

[carolns]

#10651

Here is what I had Feb7/14

The patient was admitted for an operation on Feb7, 2014. She came that day for a c2-4 decompression and posterior instrumented arthrodesis, which is uncomplicated. Her postoperative course was also uncomplicated and she remained neurologically intact postoperatively. She was prescribed an Aspen collar p.r.n. for comfort only. A postop x-ray show the instrumentation to be in a good position and her neck should be stable at this point. Her Hemovac was removed. She was mobilizing well and had no issues with swallowing or voiding. She was therefore discharged home on February 10,2014. Follow up will be arranged by Dr. Barry’s office. She has dissolvable sutures in place.

Thought I would let you see this as you have helped me so much Dr. Corenman.
I wear my collar when I go out only. My pain is all gone from the operation (7 1/2) weeks. The pain that went from the back of my neck to the top of my head, also around my ears and under my chin is all gone. You thought this would go and you were right.

Now we are both waiting to see my x-ray and appointment with Dr Barry in Halifax is good news. It is April 28 th. It will be almost 12 weeks when I go so don’t you think at 12 weeks I should have a fusion by then?
Thanks so much Carolns

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#10654

It sounds like this surgery was effective in relieving your pain. You might have a fusion by 12 weeks depending upon the graft used (allograft, autograft, iliac crest graft, BMP). Keep us informed please.

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.

[Author]

Posts