Viewing 6 posts - 7 through 12 (of 31 total)
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  • Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8660

    Some problems you might not have been informed of. The fusion at C2-4 and then the fusion at C6-7 will increase the stress on the C4-6 levels. These levels were already severely degenerative (” C4-C5 with mild to moderate disc space loss. At C5-C6, severe disc space loss & hypertrophic endplate spondylosis”). This is a setup for significant further wear of these worn levels and the probably need for a fusion eventually.

    The cervical kyphosis (abnormal forward curve which should be a backwards curve) is due to the degenerative discs which collapse and allow the kyphosis to occur.

    Your report of the “Surgical procedure 1/9/2015: Corpectomy at C5 with extension and hopeful reduction of her kyphosis posteriorly. Requiring posterior stabilization with the placement of facet and pedicle screws at the C5-C6-C7 levels connecting them into the existing C2-C4 construct. Posterior decompression to to reduce slip. Plate removed at C6-C7 and lower plate at C4 to place Corpectomy plate anteriorly” makes no sense. Did this surgeon remove the entire C5 vertebra? Was it because of stenosis narrowing the spinal canal? Did he replace it with a graft (her own bone or donor bone)?

    The “Radiology report. Patient is severely osteopenic. C5 vertebral body is not identifiable” makes me think there was removal of this C5 vertebral body without replacement but that would be highly unusual. Maybe he placed a graft that for some unusual reason fully absorbed but that is speculation.

    He then took out the posterior screw that could have been irritating the nerve root but there is no report of a solid fusion.

    Your wife needs a new opinion with an experienced spine surgeon, a through physical examination, new CT scan on a 128 slice scanner with 1mm cuts and a new MRI (probably on a 1.5 and not 3.0 tesla MRI scanner). She might need nerve blocks to identify the pain sources.

    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.
    MarieTaylo
    Participant
    Post count: 13

    Hi Dr. Corenman,
    I’m Rich’s wife.
    Since the revision, I’ve been told to see a “Wound Care Specialist”, “Physical Therapist”, “Dry Needling”, “TENS”, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy”, “Pain Specialists.” Finally, I was told to see my neurosurgeon as the damage to my cervical spinal nerves is beyond the scope of the “Interventional Pain Specialist.”
    I cannot return to the neurosurgeon. I need fresh eyes on a complex case. I need to be released from intractable, untreated pain.
    I understand my case is complicated. I had to stop most of the medications that left me lethargic & depressed.
    As you can imagine, we’ve been through everything with zero improvement in my situation.
    We are going to a Major Medical Center this Thursday with the recommendations you posted.
    I agree 100% I need a complete medical evaluation to determine the best medical treatment to pursue.
    Do you provide the medical care that I require?
    2 1/2 years ago, a single poorly planned cervical fusion disabled me.
    I’ve been in intractable and untreated pain due to the new CDC/FDA/DEA regulations.
    Certainly, I would prefer a non-pharmaceutical treatment and start a physical rehabilitation program.
    I’m very concerned as my overall physical health has been parceled out to so many sub-specialities and I’m no better.
    Currently, I can bathe (provided someone is home), dress myself and use the bathroom without assistance.
    I was a healthy, active, registered Nurse, active in our community and had so much to look forward too.
    Despite having adequate insurance and financial resources, I cannot find appropriate and timely medical treatment.
    I appreciate all of your feedback.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8660

    I hope you find this new surgeon is smart and meticulous. If you want to come out to Vail, yes I do this type of work (50% of my work is revision surgery from out of town patients). Please keep in touch.

    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.
    MarieTaylo
    Participant
    Post count: 13

    Dr. Corenman,
    Thank you for posting so quickly.
    We’re in the MidWest area of the US.
    The appointment on Thursday is for an evaluation and options available.
    We’ll be in touch with the information gathered.
    God knows, I would enjoy a trip to Vail. Even if it’s for medical care.
    Thanks again,
    MarieTaylo

    Exames1934
    Participant
    Post count: 1

    So sorry to hear that your wife is in great pain. Take her to a chiropractor, he can help you. I had a similar neck injury That treatment was very effective.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8660

    Certainly this poster has another agenda. This patient would be contraindicated for any cervical manipulation. The entire neck is almost fused, there is a possible missing anterior structure (the C5 vertebra) which would place the neck in jeopardy with a manipulation and the pain generators have yet to be ascertained. Being both a spine surgeon and a chiropractor, I can certainly say this is not the place for a Chiropractor.

    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.
Viewing 6 posts - 7 through 12 (of 31 total)
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