I had a spinal cord AVM removed from C5 in 1988, and at that time I had a laminectomy of C3-C6. Last year I had a corpectomy/fusion of C5-6, C6-7 due to kyphosis/herniated disc. I did ok for about 6 months, but since that time I've developed severe
neckCervical spondylosis
Head and neck glands
Herpes zoster (shingles) on the neck and cheek
Irritated seborrheic kerotosis - neck
Lymph tissue in the head and neck.
Melanoma - neck
Neck lump
Neck pain
Neck pulse
Neck x-ray
Oral cancer pain and left leg
weaknessWeakness. My leg is really weak and stiff when I wake up, but improves with time.
I had a CT/MRI done in August and this is what the MRI showed:
There is extensive susceptibility artifact at C5, C6 and C7 from what is probably bilateral pedicle screws and an
anteriorAnterior cruciate ligament (acl) injury
Anterior knee pain
Anterior vaginal wall repair plate. The disc spaces and
vertebralCerebral angiography
Herniated nucleus pulposus
Intervertebral disk
Spinal fusion
Thoracic spine x-ray
Vertebral column body heights are difficult to assess at these levels.
VertebralCerebral angiography
Herniated nucleus pulposus
Intervertebral disk
Spinal fusion
Thoracic spine x-ray
Vertebral column body heights, and intervertebral disc spaces are otherwise
normalNormal saline flush. There is loss of the normal cervical lordosis, with the subtle kyphotic deformity at the level of surgery. The cervical cord is hyperintense centrally beginning at the C3 level, and extending to the C7 level. This intramedullary process also shows a small amount of blood at C4. As compared to prior examination, these findings have not changed, and the intra cord hyperintensity is felt to be secondary to myelomalacia or a very small developing syrinx. The cord is not expanded. The medulla cervical medullary junction are normal.
C4-5: Broad osteophyte with flattening of the ventral thecal sac but no signifiant central stenosis and the neural foramina are normal.
1. Is the leg weakness related to my neck? Will it progress?
2. What does the small amount of blood at C4 mean?
3. Do myelomalacias progress?
4. What about the osteophyte?