Cervical fusion C-5 C-6

[hummbird]

Hello, my husband was told that he needed a cervical vertebre fusion C-5 C6  and we are very worried as the neuro-surgeon did not explain much on this surgery; he only was told that he would have to quit smoking at least two months prior to this operation and that it was not garanteed to work.

What are the risk involved in such a surgery and also we want to have more informations on the recovery and if he will be able to function normally after. will he be able to move his neck after ?

A special note here: it took four (4) years for our familly doctor to send my husband to see a neuro-surgeon because he did'nt know what was wrong with him even after all those exams like IRM, X-Rays, etc.

[judy8174]

I had fusion of 5-6-7 in 1994.  I had two ruptured disks, there was a bone spur, and all the debris was causing my spinal cord to compress.  My surgeon could not explain why I was NOT disabled.  In addition to neck pain, the pain also ran down my arm and made my fingers tingle.  The surgery was successful in that the pain no longer runs down my arm and I am not in extreme pain.  But I do have nerve pain in my forearms that never went away.  Has he had an MRI?  This is what really showed the damage.  Xrays didn't show it.  My head movement to the left is reduced by about 20%.  Only once in awhile will someone ask if my neck hurts because of this limited rotation.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Usually for spinal problems conservative treatment is tried first which includes physiotherapy, rest, and oral pain medication.
I would suggest you to seek a second opinion and not rush into surgery. Spinal surgeries may or may not be successful as the success depends upon any factors like the general health of the patient, operability, expertise of the operating surgeon and post op care.

Hope this helps!

[caregiver222]

Twenty years ago they told me I had to have this fusion surgury or I would be paralyzed. The self-righteous surgeon/chancre mechanic   was so serious and frightening. I decided not to have the surgury, obtained alternate therapy, and now have no problems.

This procedure may or may not be right for you, but.....

Get a second opinion.