Nerve Compression after C6-C7 Fusion... Causes?
 

I had a fusion at C6-C7 and the a hemilaminectomy on C5-C6 the following year.

I was pain free for 8 yrs after the 2nd surgery.

I now have symptoms that appear to be new nerve compression from C6-C7, C5-6, and C4-5. The C6-C7 pain is down the arm and in the shoulder.

What would be causing the nerve compression at C6-C7? Would it bone spurs, arthritis or other bony growth. How can this be eliminated in a revision surgery?

I am now looking at a ADR above the C6-C7 fusion either at Yale or with ProSpine in Germany. I was pleased to learn yesterday that they are doing multiple level cervical ADR at Yale now. But I still may go to ProSpine since they have a lot more experience with multiple ADRs and hybrid constructs (fusion/ADR)

Thanks for your valued input.

Chris

Chris,

There are many possible explanations for your new pain... and I'm so sorry for this recurrance. The fusion hardware could have loosened, reherniations could have occurred and so on. Only current testing can determine the causes for your pain. An MRI should should reveal the culprit(s). From there you can decide on the best course of action. You might only need the hardware removed or ????

Good luck, Dale

Dale-


Xray shows plate is fine and fusion intact. My disc was removed when Fusion took place back in 2001. Myelogram/CT shows C6-7 uncovertebral spurring and facet degenerative change causing no foraminal stenosis.

Perhaps it is the spurring that is the pain generator?

Chris

Chris,

Others are far more knowledgable than I and hopefully they'll chime in, but what does your doctor say? Shouldn't he be the one to offer various explanations? Jumping into the ADR world shouldn't be considered until you know where your pain is coming from.

Perhaps it's time for 2nd -3rd opinions.

I wish you luck, Dale

I am having 2 rounds of facet blocks then a discogram in the next 2-3 wk.

I have already have a CT/myelogram and a MRI. Bulging disk at C5/C6

and anterior osteophytes along C3-C6. Some facet degenerative changes.