cervical spondylosis

[vickiweis]

I have had previous anterior cervical fusion at c5-c6 with anterior plate and screws in good position.  There is prominent ventral impression on the thecal sac centrally and to the left of c6-c7 related to a combination of spur and disc.  Predominant pathology is osseous.  There is a spinal stenosis with canal measuring 9.8 mm at c6-c7.  The canal also shows narrowing at c4-c5 secondary to spurring.  The canal measures 9.8 mm at this level.  There is a narrowing of the canal to the left at c3-c4 secondary to large spur with canal measuring 9.5 mm.  Minimal cord flattening on the left at c4-c5.  No foraminal stenosis.

Can someone please shed some light on this?  Seems to me I am gonna need to have surgery to remove some bone spurs soon.  Does this sound like I am right?

[vickiweis]

Thank you so much for your response.  Had MRI in June of 2011.  No spurs at that time.  Or if there were, nothing of significance.  I have an appt. with my neuro on Jan 9th.  The Ortho said that with the amount of strength loss in the left hand, and the fact that therapy only aggravated it further. (neck went stiff)  That I am probably gonna need surgery.  Referred me to the Neuro... .Said if I wait too long, the loss of strength could become permanent.  That is pretty scary to me so, I am trying to make this happen asap...  Again, thanks for the response...

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry, but yes, there appears to be cannal narrowing due to bone spurs and this could be causing pressure on the spinal cord. Whether you need surgery or not depends on how severe are your symptoms and whether there has been a progression in the spur formation when compared to previous MRI. Please discuss this with your neurosurgeon.Take care!