Donald Corenman, MD, DC
Moderator
Post count: 8656

I am unclear as to the surgery as initials are normally not used to describe surgery.
I assume it might be a vertebral corpectomy with allograft and plate.

Difficulty with swallowing is not abnormal after a corpectomy. This problem can take up to six months to resolve. You might try thick liquids (yoghurt or “shakes”) until the problem resolves as thicker liquids are easier to swallow. Sometimes, oral steroids can help to reduce this problem.

Upper back numbness is unusual for a post-operative symptom. A dull ache in this region is typical if the graft distracts the degenerative area. The stretch of the posterior ligaments will cause this dull ache.

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.