SCREWS IN THE NECK

[scared923]

I HAD BROKE MY NECK IN FOUR PLACES AND HAD TO HAVE SCREWS PUT ON TO FUSE THEM THE BROKEN BONES ARE AROUND THE SPINAL CORD, THAT WAS A YEAR AGO,  I THINK THE SCAR TISSUE ON BOTH SIDES OF MY NECK ARE CAUSING ME PROBLEMS, PAIN AND IT SEEMS I LOSE FEELING IN MY HANDS ALOT COULD THERE BE A PROBLEM? ALSO I HEAR THAT THE SCREWS CAN ALSO COME LOOSE I'M SCARED BECAUSE IT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE SPINAL CORD. ALSO WHAT OTHER PROBLEMS CAN A RISE FROM THIS SITUATION? ALSO I HAVE HAD TWO LIFE THREATENING INFECTIONS DUE TO THIS CAN THEY COME BACK?

[skeetelmore65]

Well, to start w/the two docs that told me that I had a screw on top of a nerve were chiros. They took and exray and it showed up,but it hadn't been seen by an MRI.I don't understand why the doc that did my surgery hasn't done anything. On top of that, I found out by another doc that was looking at the reports from doc that did surgery that I had a T3-T4 compressed fractured verterbrae.Man,don't they tell you everything that is wrong w/you these days or do they just keep dragging it out.More $ for them I guess.More test amd more office visits.What's so bad I lost my ins. last yr. and ,just now have received medicaid.Thank God,but in the meantime I've gotten worse.When I do get back in that office I am bringing in the brigade as they say.My mom,dad,my youngest son,and my husband(if he is off),to stand up for me.They are going to tell @ the state I've been in since the surgery and what's going to be done @ it? I think it will be productive.I am at least going to leave there with some sort of answer to what exactly is causing my pain and weakness.Wish us luck and most of all say a prayer for me to get somewhere in this up hill battle.

Thanks so much,K          ***@****
Sorry I do write a lot and it takes me a while because I make a lot of mistakes typing.

[skeetelmore65]

I have been told be two docs. that I have a screw placed on top of a nerve. My hands are so gone.I lay in bed all day and can't do anything . It has affected my whole body.My legs,especially  behind my knees. I am going back 4-13 to the Neuro that did my surgery. He even said that my problem was in my C5, after he asked where I hurt the most, and that was then,now ohhhhhhh....I'm miserable..43..2 boys..and a very driven individual.Help! Please.....K            ***@****

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  Members are here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the spine.  Advice given is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences.

I am sorry to hear of your continued health problems.  Following fracture of cervical bones, it is not unusual to need stabilization of your spine with hardware (screws). Your surgery probably involved the use of plating in which the plate and screws provided strength to your spine in the presence of fractured bone.  It usually involves removal of any displaced bone that has occurred and possible fusion of adjacent vertebral levels.
Without knowing the exact surgery you have had, there are similar types of complications that can occur.  Scar tissue forming around the hardware and hardware failure are two examples.
The only way of visualizing the current status of your cervical spine is with MRI and other radiologic testing.  If it is hardware failure, surgery to remove the existing hardware and to stabilize the neck may be indicated.  Treatment for any scar tissue would be dependent on the severity of your symptoms and any need for additional stabilization.
Your neck and arm pain are caused by the nerve involvement resulting from these two issues.
Although the spinal cord is close to the cervical spine, current technology allows the surgeon to implement techniques which reduce the risk of injury to the spinal cord during surgery.
If you are not under the care of a physician, it would be appropriate for you to see an orthopedic spine specialist who can determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
If your infections have resolved, it is unlikely that they will recur without some exposure.
Any surgery carries the risk of infection and it will be necessary for you to inform your physician and specialists of your prior complications.
Please post again with an update and with any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes -----