Dr. Corenman,
I had a ACDF at C5/C6 in 2018. It is a solid fusion. My arm pain got better but still had issues with neck pain. I had a Laminoforaminotomy in 2023 at C3/C4. I was told I had significant stenosis at that level. That surgery did not help with my neck pain and has increased the pain in the back of the neck and in the right trap area. I’m in more pain since that surgery for sure. The MRI showed that I have disc spurs still at that level and they could not access them with the foraminotomy. My new surgeon wants to consider doing a fusion at the C3/C4 since we have bone spurs etc there. My question is my C4 disc is in good shape still. Since I have a fusion at C5 already would you take out the good C4 disc along with the C3 disc? I’m afraid if I leave one disc between two fusions that disc will give me troubles. If I’m fused from C3-C6 what kind of recovery is that? I’m in significant amount of pain daily right now. I just want my pain to go away. I will deal with the lack of range of motion.
Thanks,
Andy