[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#24344

Traction in the face of a pseudoarthrosis is OK. Voltaren is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and as such, can affect the fusion in the first two to three months.

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.

[cgklein]

#24347

Dr. Corenman, I received my latest x-rays but the radiologist did not say anything about the status of my fusion. Is there a way that I can attach an image to get your opinion? The report did say, “Prevertebral soft tissues are within normal limits. There is anterior spinal fixation hardware from the C4-C6 level
with interbody disc spacers. There is no instability with flexion or extension. No focal acute bony abnormality
identified. Neural foramina are relatively widely patent.”

Thank you, CK

[cgklein]

#24348

My prior x-ray stated, “In the neutral position, vertebral body alignment is unremarkable, without focal subluxation. There is no evidence of abnormal motion on the flexion or extension views. Changes of prior anterior fusion are present from C4 through C6, with no evidence of hardware loosening. Mild disc space narrowing and small anterior osteophytes are present at C6-7. Posterior osteophytic ridging and mild to moderate facet joint degenerative changes are present from C3-4 through C7-T1. Changes of prior anterior fusion from C4 through C6 and mild to moderate degenerative changes throughout the cervical spine, without associated instability.”

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#24408

The X-ray report does not comment on the fusion status but just that there are “Changes of prior anterior fusion from C4 through C6”. This could mean there was an attempt or an actual fusion that took place.

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.

[cgklein]

#24530

I saw the spine orthopedist yesterday and in fact my ACDF bone graft has not fused. We are going to do a MRI/CT scan or mylogram (due to my SCS) to better understand the status of my fusion and nerve issues. We discussed the need for future surgery to address my pseudoarthrosis. The doctor stated that he would go in from the back, perform another bone graft and insert some screws to stabilize my neck. Although very simplified, this matches what I have read online.

My question is, what are the advantages/disadvantages to have a spine orthopedist such as yourself versus a neurosurgeon conduct the surgery? My ACDF was performed by a neurosurgeon.

Thank you, CK

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#24531

I can tell you that 50% of the work I do is revision work (fixing other’s failures) and 80% of that work is from neurosurgeons.

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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