C2 &C3 fracture, decompression C3 through C5

[dink2003]

I have a fracture in C2 &C3 and decompression C3 through C5. I have been in a miami J brace for about 6 weeks with no healing in sight. We are now discussing screws and plates for repair. My question is which would be better for my injury just a screw or the plate and screw?? Also either way should I continue to wait, or just get it over with since there has been no change??

[noneck]

I have had six surgeries and I am fused from C3 thru C7. I have had two plates screwed to the body of the vertibrea, the front of neck. The screws and plates are used together. unless your doctor is talking about some other device. Some surgeons want to fuse both the front and back at the same time. In the back of the neck rods could be used, I had pins and wires and am now seeing a new doctor to redo everything. I have been dealing with this for 25 years and it never ends. It's good sign that your doctor is concerned and talking about a way to get you healed. You must do everything possible to get fused then wait and see. Some of my surgeries had to be redone, thats the nature of fusions they are not a fix all.

Hope I Help