Cervical Fusion Plate or Cages

[taigannicole]

I recently had a 2nd opinion on my cervical spine and it is recommended that I have surgery asap.  This dr wants to use a cage with a screw going into the upper and lower vertabrae.  There will be no plating done with this surgery.  I do have a prior plate and screws at the level below (C6-7).  I havent found much research that tells me which is a better option.  The reason for my surgery is that I have the C5-6 disc obliterating my CSF space. I am not having many symptoms other than neck pain from severe stenosis.  I would like to wait on the surgery but this 2nd dr seems adament it needs to be done now.  I will not be doing the surgery for at least a few weeks as I am going on vacation but I know it has to be done just wondering which is the best option.  Any input would be great.  Thanks :)

[taigannicole]

Thanks Kalvin :)
My plate is being removed at my request as I can feel it when I swallow.  Its gotten worse since the c5 vertebrae slipped over the c6.  I am not going to miss a plate but I just was worried about stability without a plate.  I had a failed fusion the first time the c6-7 was done.  When the dr went in for the revision he said it was mush in there.  Gotta love spinal issues...gggrrr

[Kalvin]

Most of the research states that there is no statical difference between the two, in terms of outcome. Although there are several good reasons for using cages.

You don't have to worry about donor problems
Or hardware failure, which in some cases can be as high as 35%
Avoid complications from plating such as Esophageal injury, and cord or nerve root injury.

I had a fusion at C6-7 with plating myself, and I haven't had any plate related problems, although I have heard of people having problems and we have had a few on here that were looking into having theirs removed.


Take Care