Possible reaction to Titanium after ACDF surgery

[dcdh61]

I had ACDF surgery on C4/5 - C5/6 on 10/16/2013 and continue to have major problems.  My C3/4 has spontaneously fused on its own on one side only.  My C6/7 is badly degenerated, but MRI and Myelegram with contrast show no obvious nerve compression.  I continue to have some pain in my neck and popping. My surgeon dismissed me in May 2013 after consulting with a neurosurgeon who agreed after studying my tests and pictures that the two level surgery was the best choice for me.  We agreed to give more time to allow things to settle and if I continued to have problems, return for a follow-up.  Since the surgery, I have experienced extreme fatigue, joint pain, burning and tingling sensation in the muscles of my legs as well as weakness in my legs. I have some tingling occasionally in my feet and toes. I have hip and lower back pain, burning in my shoulders, pain in both elbows as well as some carpal tunnel symptoms. Also have pain in my right groin area and am unable to turn my knee out to the side because it feels like there is a catch and my hip does not want to rotate.  In July, after a routine thyroid blood workup ( I have been hypothyroid for years) it was discovered that my thyroid antibody test was 350.  I was referred to an endocrinologist who repeated the test a month later and the antibodies have increased to 686 .  She has diagnosed me with Hashimoto's disease. She also tested me for gluten intolerance due to some stomach issues, however, that was clear.   My thyroid meds have been increased and even though the levels have improved, the antibodies continue to increase and my symptoms have not improved.  I have difficulty swallowing and my voice has become hoarse sometimes. Both sides of my neck ache and she says there is inflammation but my thyroid remains small.   Many days I have trouble staying awake at work and feel like I am in a mental fog and have become absent-minded and forgetful.  I am wondering if I could be having a systemic reaction to the metal in the plates and screws used in my fusion surgery.  I have heard of allergies to titanium however from what I have read, the percentage is very small, only about 4%.  I feel terrible all of the time and some days it is all I can do to get out of bed.  Has anyone else out there experienced similar symptoms after ACDF surgery?

[Glw9663]

I just went thru the ACDF surgery March 2016 and have experienced the exact same leg / foot pain & tingling along with the hip pain.  I have issues with my throat swelling and have been put on 2 separate doses of prednisone to help reduce the excess swelling.  I too have days of pure fatigue and body pain.  I am worried that my body is rejecting the metal / titanium.  The site of the incision has been red since the surgery - but my DR tells me it is just my skin.  Also I could not eat solid foods for 5 weeks following surgery - that's how swollen my throat was.  I still have issues swallowing & my entire right side of my neck is numb.  

[CarlieK]

I had ACDF in July 2012.  Everything healed well.  However, I wake up every morning with "acid" covering my teeth.  I am wondering if the titanium plate is causing this. I have to brush my teeth ten times a day, and my teeth have turned gray.  I have been through all the tests you mentioned, nobody can help me.  You know, when you have something complicated, the doctor just sends you somewhere else.  Nobody cares.  I wish you all the best in figuring it out.  My doctor said that since my neck is fused, I can have the plate removed.

[ArlaMay]

I had anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery in January 2009; the pain was gone I didn't have any complications but about six months after the surgery I started having chronic throat clearing.  It has been constant ever since.  I went to a gastroenterologist because I thought it could be acid reflux but she told me it was a throat issue.  Then I went to an ETN and he said it was a gastro issue.  I've had my throat scoped three times and he said nothing is wrong with my throat and put me on reflux meds.  I tried three different kinds an none of them worked.  The only effect they had was decreasing the metabolism of my epilepsy meds.  I had my sergeon review exrays of my throat to see if the plate had moved or the screws had loosend but they haven't. He said that my symptoms were not caused by allergies to the hardward.  I have tried herbal remidies, sinus sprays and rinses and NOTHING works.  It is horrible and after FIVE years of this I am going insane.  My throat hurts and it annoys everyone around me. Has anyone had this problem?  I am miserable!!!

[dcdh61]

Thank you.  My endocrinologist has adjusted my meds again and will follow up with her in Jan.  Hopefully this will help.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, if your symptoms are due to titanium allergy, then it could cause local reaction like rash. Numerous studies have demonstrated that damage of kidney of mice can be caused by exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). Your symptoms of mental fog and fatigue could be due to persisting hypothyroid state. You could repeat your thyroid profile to know the current status of your thyroid gland. You have to ensure to take your medications regularly and you have to monitor the levels of your thyroid status at least once in three months. Regards.