c1 c2 subluxation

I have a c1 c2 subluxation of 5mm from a car accident.  Have been told I can do a Brooks fusion, or also can live with this condition if I don not undertake risks (roller coasters, ladder climbing, etc.)  Much of what I read online says to have the surgery asap, however I have a doc who contradicts this.  One doc said to have surgery, 2 have said to wait for healing.  I'm not sure what to do because of the great risk from surgery as well as from doing nothing.  I have 2 kids to care for and need to be able to keep going for them.  Any suggestions on how to proceed?  Also any idea of how much a surgery such as this can cost.  We have an unresolved lawsuit against the person who hit me, but in Alabama we have strange laws.  Hard to get medical bills paid for from car insurance.  My personal insurance will not pay for this.

dancrmom




This discussion is related to c1 and c2 subluxation questions.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

I sympathize with your health concern. It will be best that you consult a neurologist who would like to prescribe pain killers, steroid and muscle relaxants. If this doesn’t help fusion surgeries may have been advised. Other treatments could be cervical orthosis such as a soft cervical collar/stiffer neck brace to restrict neck movement. In addition, cervical traction may also be suggested by the doctor, if condition is severe. It is also essential to follow the post surgical recommendation suggested by your doctor. Hope this helps.

[dncrmom]

Dr Srivastava,Thanks for your post.  I am not in pain, and have a subluxation of about 5mm--told it is not real severe.  How severe do you consider surgery-worthy.  I have been told this is "marginal."  Risk of surgery equals risk of living with it.  At what point do you recommend surgery?  I still have another neurosurgeon to consult with, but any input is greatly appreciated.  Please note, that I consider your opinion valuable,  I DO know that you are not giving advice to my personal case, but are speaking in general terms only.  I know every case is different.  Have you ever heard of a stretched ligament shortening over time?
thanks for any more comments you might have.
dancrmom

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Without being able examine you or seeing your investigation reports, it is quite difficult to give you any precise opinion here.  Sometimes surgery can be suggested by a neurologist to provide relief in your symptoms. It will be best that you consult another neurologist or a neurosurgeon to get a second opinion here. Hope this helps.