[Rozy56]

#22416

I am 6 weeks post C5-C-6 C6-C7 ACDF.

According to the report from my flex xray;

There remains a prominence of prevertebral soft tissue anterior to the lower cervical spine. It is less pronounced than previous study(4 weeks earlier) and presumably post surgical.

There is a slight reversal of cervical lordosis. (the lordosis was improved with the surgery)

Patient is post C5-C6 C6-C7 ACDF. The hardware appears intact.

Th PT feels my ROM is superior than it was pre surgery. The spasms, tingling and water in the vein sensation in my arm are gone. Spasms in my shoulder blade area have resolved. Sensation and strength in my arm/hand are improving; however, I still have pain in my upper arm with certain movements. Both the physical therapist and surgeon did check my shoulder by having me move my arm in 4 specific ways. There is no indication that there is a shoulder problem. Could the continued pain be attributed to the “prominence of prevertebral tissue? Could the pain resolve given time?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#22421

Repeated question just answered

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.

[Rozy56]

#22422

A drain was not used. I developed a massive heamatoma. The surgeon had to go back in to drain and clean the site. Recovery has been uncomplicated since.

The surgeon and PT both suspec that the upper arm pain is related to the shoulder but the results of a screening were not consistent with shoulder involvement. Would it make sense to see an ortho who specializes in hand/arm issues?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#22423

The anterior soft tissue mass is probably hematoma and should resorb over time.

The shoulder pain origin is relatively easy to diagnose. A subacromial shoulder injection can be performed in the office. If the shoulder pain disappears in the first two hours, the diagnosis is made and a shoulder surgeon should be consulted. Nonetheless, a physical therapy series should be utilized first if a shoulder problem has been diagnosed.

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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