Screws into Cervical Spinal Cord

I had two prior anterior cervical fusions about 18 months about, 6 or more years ago.  I recently had an upper GI at an HMO and awoke with severe pain radiation down my right shoulder and arm.  I had intermittent bi-cep heaviness.  Within a month the radiculopathy became bi-lateral with very spastic legs and bladder urgency.  After 3 months and MRI was ordered.  An initial report indicated 4 protrusions from C3-4 - C6-7 with 3 osteophytes, with no mention of my prior fusion or instrumentation.  A final report indicated screws are into the CSF space (spinal cord).  From looking at the imaging, the area of my prior surgery looks like a large black whole. On the sagital view, there is two obvious herniations into the cord.  There is no mention on whether there is a solid fusion.  When I asked the doctor who ordered the MRI why the two reports were so different, she could not explain.  When I asked her if fusion had taken place, she said she couldn't tell.  

My question is, what would create a black looking space hole and is this concerning?  Also, what are the concerns about instrumentation (screws) in the CSF space?

[DrNavneetMD]

Hi Dear,

Well I must complement for your efforts to put the MRI.

Leakage of spinal fluid requiring re-operation could be a complication. The black region may be the healed dura mater, which is the hard covering of the nerves and spinal cord. Usually, there is no problem during surgery. However, occasionally either the stitches will not hold, or there could be a small unrecognized tear, and leakage could occur. If that should happen, we may take you back to surgery and to another operation to sew up the hole in the dura. Usually this is not a major complication, but you need to be aware of this so that if it does occur it will not be a major shock or surprise to you.

Best