In my humble opinion, you should continue to research and not rush immediately into surgery. However, you have two troublesome findings on the MRI: narrow spinal canal space of 7.5 to 8 (stenosis) and the osteophytes. Stenosis can be dangerous if one has a serious fall or car accident or the like. Osteophytes are likely to grow and get worse over time.
Due to the similar problems at C5/6 and 6/7, the surgeon was probably recommending a two-level ACDF. There may be other surgeries that could deal with your problem: ADR (artificial disc replacement), laminectomy, foraminotomy, etc. All of these surgeries have advantages and disadvantages.
I am in a similar, although far worse, situation. I have seen or had my films and records seen by 9 surgeons and have had the following recommendations: 4-level ACDF (2 surgeons), 2-level ACDF (1 surgeon), 2 level ADR (1 surgeon), 2-3 level ADR (3 surgeons), 2-level foraminotomy (1 surgeon), and 2-level ACD without fusion. The two surgeons who recommended a 4-level ACDF were not top-notch surgeons; one was a neurosurgeon, but not even a spine specialist. All the other were top-notch spine specialists.
You need a second, and third, opinion from a top-notch surgeon who SPECIALIZES IN SPINES. Where are you located and what are your financial options (i.e., what kind of insurance do you have)?
Last edited by KL Aguilar; 10-07-2007 at 04:28 AM.
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