broken screws in neck

[richard2126]

Back in 2002 i  had three disk fused together.  c4 through c7.  I have had constant pain since.   On 4/14/10 i had injections into spine. i was all most pain free.  On 5/13/10 i was hit from behind breaking 2 screws.  Now when i carry something in my left hand i loose all felling in my left leg and left side of body. Doctor informs me that plat is still in place. But pain is getting worse. Need advise.

[Audrey328]

I lost all feeling in my left leg and had my neck fused Dec. 2007 C5,6.
To my surprise x-ray showed one of the  screws broke in half  and bone is unfused.  my spinal instability is at 11! They want to repair my neck and fuse my back but how do I know this won't happen again?  Pain and weakness in my legs is horrible.
Any alternative?

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Get present day scans done to review your progress after surgery and to diagnose any complications after the broken screws.

Ten to 30 per cent of spinal fusion surgeries fail. Sometimes patients get worse instead of getting better. Some of the reasons for failure are broken screws or other broken hardware, spinal stenosis, and spinal instability. Infections and other complications can also occur.

You have no choice but to have another surgery to correct the problem. Make sure you get the best orthopaedic surgeon in your area.

Take care!