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Hi again, Dr. Corenman,

Pain history: gradual onset, but most prominent over the last 3 years. Constant headaches, the best description would be the sensation of a hot knife, sometimes dull and throbbing, sometimes sharp and steady, at the base of my neck radiating upwards into the base of my skull. Trapezius muscles are usually rock-hard, limited mobility. Crackling or popping sound when I turn my head or lower my chin to my chest. No skin changes or hypersensitivity. Pain is 95% neck, 5% arm (which is more of a numbness, not pain). Neck pain intensity usually 6-8 range. Moderate weakness in right arm is most problematic upon waking. No problems with gait or coordination. Pain is usually mild to moderate upon waking, increasing in intensity throughout the workday; evenings are usually the worst. It wasn’t until I recently took my first hydrocodon that I experienced what it feels like to *not* be in pain.

Activity/occupational restrictions: sitting through a movie is challenging, had to give up swimming laps (rotating head side to side is a problem), used to run 4 miles per week but running seems to aggravate the pain. Part of my job requires lifting/pushing very heavy objects or vehicles, but I have been excused from that lately
I have been a graphic designer/illustrator for the past 28 years, sometimes spending many hours at a drafting table or computer, so my condition is not surprising.

Consultations/treatment:
Chiropractor for three months: not effective
Orthopedist: during a visit for lower back pain 3 years ago, I asked the doctor to also check my neck. He stated that I did indeed have a partially “blown” lumbar disc, but that my neck was “far worse.” Prescription: PT, anti-inflammatories, pain medication. PT was mildy effective but temporary. Second doctor, last month: x-ray revealed “collapsed” disc at C6-7, prescribed Celebrex and ordered MRI (impression listed above). MRI also indicates numerous osteophytes but most significant at C6-7. Moderately severe disc desiccation at C6-7, minor desiccation at C4-5 and C5-6. Minor facet arthrosis C2 through C7, moderate at C4-5.

And that brings me to today, waiting for my consultation with the orthopedist to discuss this recent MRI.

Again, thank you for your generosity.

Regards,
John

The patient, a close friend was 52 year old male in excellent physical condition and muscular build that exercised regularly and with no genetic dispositions. He had completed a 3 year circumnavigation, on a large sailboat, is a master diver and otherwise a very healthy and active individual before lifting a 25 pound tool back while in a closed confined space that caused the ruptured disk.

An X-Ray and two MRI before the discecotomy showed no pars fracture and an MRI two weeks after the surgery showed the pars fracture. The patient had not performed any extension activity or stress that would cause the fracture, as his pain post-op prevented and physical activity and physio did not start until 1 month post-op.
When admitted for the surgery the insurance had authorized and expected to pay for a 2 day hospital stay, but the patient was told to leave the hospital only 2 hours after awaking from the procedure at the orders of the performing surgeon. The patient was in unbearable pain when he was discharged and against his request to stay the night was told that it was not necessary. The patient, then check into a hotel 1 mile from the hospital, with the same pain meds that he had been taking before the surgery. He did not see the surgeon for 2 weeks after the surgery and when he did the doctor said that the nurse had stated that he had got up after the procedure and ran out off the hospital feeling great. The patient replied that he had been run out of the hospital at which time the surgeon replied with anger and defended the actions. It had appeared that the discharge was a setup, to make it appear that the surgery was a success.
A second surgery with different doctor, fused the L4 L5 with hardware to stabilize and reported that the pars fracture was indeed caused by the previous surgeon. There is no thinning of the pars or any sign of degeneration that would lead to the pars fraction without intervention.
Two months after the fusion the patient reported bending over to pick up an onion skin off the floor when he felt a pop in the lower back and has sustained constant pain, worse than the pain that lead to the first surgery.
The pain in his lower back and right leg has been ongoing now for 3 years and his life is un-recognizable.
So the big question is; if it is it is extremely rare to break a pars during a disectomy, what happened and why did the surgeon attempt to cover his tracks if he had not known of the fracture. Is this indeed a rare event? If so are there any actual statics.
After witnessing this I am reluctant to have any back surgery what so ever.