ACDF

[DONNA55]

I HAD AN ACDF DONE ON C5 THRU C7, DOUBLE DISK AND A TITANIUM PLATE INSERTED.  THIS WAS ON SEPT 18, 2007.  I WAS SUFFERING FROM EXTREME LEFT ARM, SHOULDER AND HAND PAIN ALSO NUMBNESS, AN MRI SHOWED DISC RUPTURE AND BONE SPURS PUSHING ONTO THE NERVES.  ANYWAY THE PAIN WAS GONE AS SOON AS I AWOKE FROM THE SURGERY.  MY FOURTH MONTH X-RAY SHOWS I AM HEALING AND BONE GROWTH IS GOOD.  HOWEVER I HAVE A CONSTANT IRRITATION IN MY THROAT, IT SEEM TO BE MAINLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE (SITE OF THE INCISION) IT MAKES ME THINK OF HAVING A PIECE OF POPCORN KERNAL INBEDDED IN MY THROAT AT THE TOP OF MY NECK.
WHAT IS THIS?? WILL IT DISAPATE?  SHOULD I SEE AN ENT?   PLEASE HELP ME
THANK YOU

[Wyatt13]

I have c6-c7 bilateral moderate to severe spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease.  I don't meet with my surgeon for another 3 weeks.  I've had all of the conservative treatments and 2 epidural injections over the last 5 years.  Any input on what usually happens next?  Should I expect surgery?...thx

[JainMD]

Hi Donna,
Is that your name? You have a nice name.
By saying ACDF surgery, you mean to say Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery, am I right.
It is a procedure performed to treat a damaged disc in the neck area of your spine. It is used to treat bulging and herniated disc (corresponding to your case).
“Anterior” means that your doctor reaches the damaged disc from the front of your neck.
Usually the fusion happens in few weeks to months.
As the approach was anterior, hence there is pain in throat.
Alternatively, you can visit an ENT surgeon to rule any other pathology.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.