Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Failed C5 & C6 Fusion 2 times?

I was told today that my C5 & C6 fusion did not take again, the first fusion wa sin 2006 and the second in 2007. I have been in pain for 1 year recently and was told this today. I am 33 years old, healthy and non-smoker. Is this common? What should I be asking as to why this keeps happening? I am in a new town now with a new Dr, could this be a Dr. failure or just bad luck?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I've had both surgeries. through the front with a bone plug from my hip,the right hip. didn't take. the next was through the back with two plates & four screws.with a bone plug from the left hip, the second was in 2001. I hurt every day. now I'm 42 and need a third. this time they are going to do c4,c5,c6,c7. and I will still hurt. my origanal was at c5 & c6. but I was told that in a few years I would be having the other c4 & c7 being done. because with the fusion it puts alote of undue stress above and below. and I was also told that I will always be in pain. I have taken every kind of pain reliever there is and nothing will help. I'm sorry you are going through this I know how you hurt. the best I know what to tell you is, find what ever it is that will relieve some of your pain and stick with it and keep your spirit up. good luck and I hope you know you are not alone.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I can’t imagine going through that. There are a lot of reasons why people don’t fuse, but twice?

Things like smoking, not following guidelines after surgery and hardware problems can cause failure. In addition to other factors such as reduced blood supply problems, heart disease, infection and endplate disorders. But with the exception of that last item, I think you’d know if you had any of that.

What have you been using for the graft, Autograft, bone which comes from you or Allograft were the bone comes from a donor? Supposedly you get slightly better fusion rates with your own bone, and you don’t have to worry about infection. But you do have to deal with the hip pain. I’ve had both, and I didn’t have any problems with either, and I was smoking at the time too. I just quit before surgery and started back up after I fused.  (I know, real bright)

What do your Doctors think about this, do they have any ideas? Maybe you should try a cage this time. They’re getting pretty good success rates with those. After they remove the disc they implant it and pack it with DBM or the leftover bone shavings. Supposable these cages eliminate the need for a plate and screws, but in your case you should probably have the hardware too.

And then you can get a Bone Growth Stimulator. I don’t know much about these things but, I heard they help. There are different sizes and you can wear some of them around your neck. I think you’re supposed to wear it 4 hours a day, but I don’t really know. Check it out on the web; take a look at Peek and Titanium Cages too.


Better luck on your next surgery.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Back & Neck Community

Top Pain Answerers
Avatar universal
st. louis, MO
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches