Re: Post-op symptoms

Posted By Dale on July 18, 1999 at 09:42:50
I have a 15 yr. hx of cervical spondylosis at C5-6, treated by chiropractic and meds.  Sx=stiff neck and intense, deep pain in the R. lateral, mid humerus. 6 months prior to surgery, developed numbness along top of R. wrist and into thumb and index finger.  Anterior cervical discectomy w/fusion performed in 3/99.  I was told by the surgeon that the nerve was completely compressed.  Post-op=Immediate relief of arm pain.  Numbness persists and surgeon can't guarantee it will completely go away.  3 months post-op, there is a subtle, transient, superficial ache in the R. arm in the area of the previous pain.  Xrays at 6 weeks post-op showed a good fusion with knitting taking place, but could this be a sign of potential fusion failure?  Is it a symptom of reinnervation or, as has been suggested, scar tissue formation?  What does reinnervation feel like?  I can find no articles on the Net dealing with this area.  Thanks for your response.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on July 18, 1999 at 17:48:04
Dear Gary:
As you well know, surgery is the last resort for these sort of things.  There are no patterns that are usual, most recovery depends on the degree of compromise, length of time the problem has existed, the quality of the surgeon, and rehab.  Scar formation usually will compromise the nerve if it occurs in the neural foramen.  We usually give the surgery about 18 -20 months to determine the final outcome.  By that time, what will regenerate will have regenerated and the connections that will be made will have been finished.  So, you are early in the process and it sounds like things are going well.  The numbness is good, it there was none it would be a bad sign.  As you rehab, hopefully you will notice an improvement will more and more feeling coming back.  Do expect a roller coaster effect with good and bad days.  Hang in there.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD










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