disc space collapse after acdf

[jbird3430]

Ok I had a CT myleogram 4 months post op c5-c6 acdf and neurosurgen says the bone graft has migrated up into the c5 vertabra and down into the c6 vertabra. There is no disc interspace left as the c5 and c6 are now touching. I have Rt arm pain, numbness, and weakness. My main complaint is neck pain. My surgen says he can fix the problems with the Rt arm but not my neck. I don't want to have another surgery if it is not going to fix my neck pain. What should I do?

[kittyluv1]

Is it possible for you to obtain a second opinion?  My neurosurgeon told me that he had to literally chip away at my C5-C6 vertebrae as they were practically fused together.
He was able to do the surgery and I am immensely satisfied with the results.
I don't know whether you would be able to return to work as a firefighter (I sorta doubt it), but getting some relief of neck pain would seem the best action to take at this time.
Let me know what the CT myelogram shows ----

[jbird3430]

Thanks Kittyluv1 the doctor said that he could go in through the back and remove some bone to relieve the pressure on the c6 nerve root to my right arm. He doesn't think he can fix the neck pain because the collapse of the disc interspace would make the surgery to difficult. I am just not willing at this point to risk another surgery to fix the symptoms with my rt arm when my neck pain is my biggest complaint. I will have the doctors report after he read the ct myleogram hopefully tomorrow and can better explain the problem. I am a fire fighter and I don't think I will be able to do my job anymore and will have to medically retire. It is just a scary time when the only thing I know how to do is be a fire fighter or an electrician. I don't think I could work over my head again. Thanks

[kittyluv1]

arm or leg function or any of the other major problems associated with spinal cord involvement,
Hoping you find a resolution to your situation ---

[kittyluv1]

I am sorry to hear of your problems following your ACDF.  I had an ACDF C4-C7 done almost four months ago and can appreciate your concerns regarding additional surgery.
I'm not clear on why your doctor stated he would not be able to correct your neck --
It would seem to me that the migration of the bone graft does need further intervention and the loss of disc height might be producing stenosis of the spinal canal putting the spinal cord at risk.  
Could you provide additional information regarding this?  In order to alleviate any arm symptoms the issues of the vertebrae collapse would indicate a re-do of the fusion is needed.  Did the myelogram show any problems with other discs?
My neuro was very clear in giving me the risk of further surgery to adjacent discs and yet  I am very hopeful that my fusion will continue to be successful.  
If additional surgery was needed, it would probably depend on the potential neurological problems that might occur if no surgery is done.  Living with some neck pain might be easier to adjust and handle as opposed to any loss of