Viewing 3 posts - 7 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    It really depends upon the problems at C1-2. Normally, the problem is arthritis of the C1-2 joint with a rare rotary subluxation or transverse ligament tear. Do you know what is wrong?

    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,
    My husband & I have asked questions about severe pain after 3 cervical fusions and a revision.
    On February 23, 2017 I had a MRI with contrast.
    Technique: Multiplanar & multisequence MRI of the cervical spine performed on a 1.5 Tessa magnet without & with IV contrast.
    Impression:
    Post Surgical changes extending from C2-T2. Anterior Fusion is seen at C4-C7 with C5 corpectomy. Posterior Fusion is present from C2-T2.
    C1-C2: Hypertrophic changes in the posterior elements contribute to bilateral C1-C2 foraminal narrowing without definitive nerve root impingement. There is no canal narrowing.
    Limitations: Extensive metallic susceptibility artifact.
    I’m experiencing disabling pain.
    Is there a treatment for the above?
    I was resigned that I had Epidural Fibrosis.
    Could this be a factor in my poor outcome?
    We would be on a plane to Vail on a heartbeat if we knew treatment is possible. I’m in so much pain that a two hour drive to a Midwest Medical Center brought me to tears.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    For readers, the last post is from a new participant so do not mix the previous answers with this one.

    You have had an ACDF of C4-7 and then at a later time, a posterior fusion from C2 through T2. I will assume the posterior fusion was for degenerative spondylolisthesis of C2-4 and C7-T1. Correct me if I am wrong.

    It appears that this report notes a solid fusion of C2-T2 but I will state that an MRI is not the best tool to determine fusion. A CT scan would be the best and probably necessary in your case as you are still struggling. If you had metal artifact obscuring the C1-2 level (as I assume you would due to the pars screws that are usually placed in C2), the CT scan should clear this up. It needs to be a 64 slice or greater scanner with one mm cuts and coronal/sagittal reconstructions.

    Normally, epidural fibrosis is a problem in the lumbar spine, not cervical spine so I would not “peg” the failure on this disorder.

    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 3 posts - 7 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.