Why Won't a Neurosurgeron Operate

[catcoco]

Approximately 28 years ago a someone I care about got a broken neck in a car accident.  A piece of the hip bone was place in the neck, but came out because the doctor forgot to put the screws in and when he was contacted he refused to fix the problem.  
My friend has been to numerous places, Mayo Clinic for one and has been told there was nothing that could be done except to total fusion, which is not an option for them.  
Extensive research has been done over the internet and so far the ProDisc seems to be the only thing that would help.  Doctor's conducting trials using it have been spoken to as well.  It's not an option because of the cost.

For the last  8 months they have been in severe pain, headaches are the number one problem, but previously had been told, prior to the headaches becoming a 24 hour seven day a week thing that that the neurosurgeon would not operate and grind down the bone spurs because it was considered a patchwork operation and no neurosurgeon would do a patchwork operation.

My question is if someone is in intense pain and a patchwork operation would relieve the pain, even if only for a while why won't anyone perform what they call a patchwork operation?

Thanks

[catcoco]

My friend has discussed this with both 2 neurosurgeons and a friend who is an attorney.
I have all ready give the neurosurgeon's answer, which was only "we don't do patchwork operations."
I did forget one comment by a neurosurgeon and that was "if you wake up one day and you're paralyzed, when you get to the emergency room someone will operate."
The attorneys answer was because of the mistake make by the neurosurgeon during the original surgery no doctor would touch my friend, because if something went wrong they could be held responsible in some degree.
I guess I am amazed that doctor's are supposed to help people who are suffering.  I think it's ridiculous that when someone is in so much pain they can barely function that the only thing offered is stronger pain medication.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I can appreciate your concerns, but any operation should be justified and the surgeon sure it will benefit the patient. On net, a detailed discussion is not possible, but if this person wants to be operated upon (assuming the operation will benefit) then the person needs to discuss this in detail with the surgeon. The surgeon will explain why the operation cannot be done.
One thing about bone spurs is that they recur, and you cannot keep operating to reduce their size. So treatments like round the clock pain relief patches, spinal cord stimulators, nerve blocks etc should be tried along with extensive physiotherapy, back exercises, maybe swimming and hydrotherapy. Please consult the treating doctor regarding this. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.