ACDF

[aussie08]

2 years ago I had a acdf surgery C5 & 6.  A year later another acdf surgery on C4 & 5.  Now, I am having similiar problems on my neck and left arm again.  Doc said C1 & 2 are deteriorating.  Has anyone ever heard of 3 acdf surgeries within 3 or 4 years of each other?   Also, do I have to wait until my arm and neck really hurts or should I proceed with this surgery soon if that is what the doctor ordered.

[Wyatt13]

I have c6-c7 bilateral moderate to severe spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease.  I don't meet with my surgeon for another 3 weeks.  I've had all of the conservative treatments and 2 epidural injections over the last 5 years.  Any input on what usually happens next?  Should I expect surgery?...thx

[lilrob]

I had a two level acdf at the end of Nov./07.  My MRI showed the 4-5 level worse than the one below it, which was showing more of a large bulge rather than a rupture.  I went to 3 surgeons for opions.  Two of the surgeons recommended a 2 level fusion.  The surgeon that I went with initially talked about doing an artificial disc on 4-5 and leaving 5-6 alone.  It didn't feel right to me, because the research I did showed that fusions tend to put pressure on levels above and below.  I knew that if he didn't address the other I would be back to surgery in a year.  In fact when I was in the hospital I met a woman who had the same surgeon as I.  She was back after only 9 months.  In your situation your other discs may have been already deteriorating to a large degree and the fusion put added pressure on them.  In my case and the other womans case the surgeon commented that the discs were much worse than the MRI indicated.  I too would get another opinion.  I wonder if they could use an artificial disc if you end up in surgery.  You would have more mobility.  

[Joface]

Sorry....don't understand the acronym you've used ACDF?? Something to do with a fusion?  My neurosurgeon wouldn't perform a fusion on me because she said that it places undue stress on the levels above and below where you've been fused....making it very probable that further surgery will be needed in the future.  When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.  As athene2 said, I'd also get a second opinion and maybe even a third before having yet another operation - or another fusion.  I had a cervical laminoplasty at C3-C7....this is a procedure where the surgeon opens up the lamina at each of those levels and creates an "open door", tacking the lamina back to preserve stability while creating more room for my spinal compression.  It was quite successful and I am happy I chose that option.  Good luck, whatever you do!  Jo

[athene2]

Sounds like you need a second opinion, maybe a new DR? I do not understand why this Dr only did one level at a time. I bet if you look at your reports. Both levels had marks by them. Something is weird. I personnelly would see another Dr.