Neurosurgeon prefers to use a metal ring (least I think that's how he described it), and that he injects some bone filler? Not sure of that either...I was so bummed about needing surgery that I wasn't using my best listening skills. He also mentioned that he inserts a metal plate in the neck instead of using a hard collar after surgery; Has anyone had this done before? How uncomfortable is this, and does it limit your neck mobility?
I had this type of surgery 10 yrs. ago (C5&C6), where the doc used a cadaver bone,which he said is holding up great. (I named my cadaver bone George Burns, since he lived a hundred years I thought maybe that good mojo would hold to the cadaver bone, & so far so good!) He's giving me the choice as to which method I want done. I told him that since he's the expert I would go with his recommendation. What I'd like to know is if anyone else had this type of surgery using a metal ring and a metal plate, and how that surgery went. I'd REALLY love to hear if someone had both procedures done; one with bone and a second surgery with metal...Doc says metal also has the benfit of having a 0% chance of passing on a disease from the donor bone.
Surgery is set for 2 weeks away, and I'd liked to be as informed as I can before we actually get to the cutting.
One more thing, since I had the previous surgery & they went in on the left side of my neck, due to probable scar tissue, he has to go in on the right side of my neck, which he says has complications, but complications that outway him going in over the old scar....Now I'm really scared.THANK YOU!