malbo55
08-31-2008, 04:20 PM
I was in a car accident and I was left with cervical stenosis with myelopathy.I have disc protrusions at c4-c7 compressing my spinal cord and nerve roots.I have seen 4 surgeons ,ortho and nuero,and I have been given 4 different approaches to decompress my spinal cord.The anterior approach which involves the removal of 3 discs and fusing seems drastic.I'm afraid that it would cause too much strain on the discs above and below the fused area which could give me problems in the future. I'm leaning toward a laminaplasty.It seems like it would decompress my spinal cord and allow the nerves to move away from being pinched when the cord is given more room from behind.The fact that no bones are removed will also keep my spine stable.Since I am very active and have a physically demanding job I'm very concerned about what I can expect after the surgery.I've heard you could have decreased mobility in your neck as well as chronic pain in your neck.I would love to hear from anyone who has had a laminaplasty surgery.Did the procedure eliminate your shoulder and arm pain and decompress your spinal cord without too many negative side effects.HELP! LAMINAPLASTY VS.ANTERIOR FUSION =CONFUSION
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sunshine221
09-20-2008, 06:18 PM
OPPS sorry I don't check the boards as often as I used to. I had a laminectomy three years ago and selected the posterior for the same logical reasons you did (also C4-C7). I was 47 when I had the surgery. The recovery, while some say is more difficult than ACDF, wasn't bad. I didn't drive for a while - don't remember exactly - probably about two months but I was back to work at least part time at 3 weeks (I own the business and was able to lie flat in my office to rest when needed). The surgery solved many of my problems but I still have a gait issue. MRI's in July 06 and Dec 07 show some constriction still at C5-c6 so the surgery wasn't perfect and I might need another one at some point but I'm not in pain just inconvenience by walking problems. I think I can tell sometimes if my spine has shifted and I just rest and then its usually better. I swim, do water weights, Curves, walk, treadmill, etc. I can play tennis and golf but I watch it. I avoid heavy lifting. I watch my posture at the computer. I've reviewed with my neuro what to watch for as "danger" signs (urinary incontinence, muscle weakness, etc.) - but given the same facts, I'd have made the same choice again for posterior surgery.
rwjwith
09-24-2008, 12:51 PM
I am sorry to read of your condition caused by the accident. I noticed your post because I too am contemplating a Laminoplasty for my cervical issues at c4 to c7. I have seen 4 Neurosurgeons! The first thing two of them reccomended was the standard ACDF. However I brought up the fact that I am a vocalist and work professionally at that and right away I was given no guarantees. The second surgeon reccomended the Laminoplasty as an alternative.The other alternative is posterior fusion. It may be a good sign that there are so few posts here regarding laminoplasty's because as you can see there are so many regarding issues with FUSIONS. I am in a position in which I have been advised TO have the surgery because of the danger of any trauma causing PARALYSIS but my pain is really controlled o.k.it barely effects my quality of life at all and I have waited two years so far since the diagnosis trying to find an alternative. However it seems to me that the LAMINOPLASTY may be the way to go to avoid the pitfalls of fusion plus the need to wear a hard collar for months. I wish you all the best.
sunshine221
09-25-2008, 07:23 AM
I had a laminectomy as opposed to laminoplasty but they are similar. I was given both options - acdf or laminectomy and that later was more logically to me because of the number of levels, my age and all the talk about further problems above and below with acdf. The posterior approach operations are the "older" techniques and do involve the cutting of more large muscles. It was my first and only major surgery (to do) but the recovery was not that bad. Read my old posts and I'll try to look out for more from you - I don't check back here as often as I used to. Note too that some people with ACDF don't get asked to wear a collar.
malbo55
09-25-2008, 01:47 PM
Hi Sunsine221,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience.It sounds as if your operation was a success.You came out better then you went in.You were able to get rid of your pain and still have enough mobility to do the activities you enjoy.I'm sorry to hear you still have some trouble walking and your c5-level is still a concern.It just so happens that's the level that is compressing my cord the most as well.I'm meeting with my surgeon Oct 6 to talk it all over and I'm scheduled for surgery oct 15.I still have lots of questions.I'll report back when I get the answers.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience.It sounds as if your operation was a success.You came out better then you went in.You were able to get rid of your pain and still have enough mobility to do the activities you enjoy.I'm sorry to hear you still have some trouble walking and your c5-level is still a concern.It just so happens that's the level that is compressing my cord the most as well.I'm meeting with my surgeon Oct 6 to talk it all over and I'm scheduled for surgery oct 15.I still have lots of questions.I'll report back when I get the answers.
hopeforyears
09-27-2008, 03:48 PM
I'd like to know from those who've had laminoplasty, anterior or posterior laminectomy with fusion whether any of you had pain that worsened after the surgery. Did you have other problems that developed that you hadn't had prior to the surgery?
Thanks!
Thanks!
sunshine221
09-28-2008, 08:33 PM
My problems were central spine so I've had no pain issues.
My problems were not solved 100%, MRI still shows stenosis C5-C6 and I still don't walk properly but I am 80-90% better than before surgery.
-Gloria
My problems were not solved 100%, MRI still shows stenosis C5-C6 and I still don't walk properly but I am 80-90% better than before surgery.
-Gloria
sunshine221
09-28-2008, 08:34 PM
Malbo
Good luck - I'm glad you checked back, I was concerened because I answered several days after your original post.
Keep us posted - it's good to see people post with procedures other than ACDF
Gloria
Good luck - I'm glad you checked back, I was concerened because I answered several days after your original post.
Keep us posted - it's good to see people post with procedures other than ACDF
Gloria
malbo55
10-20-2008, 03:13 PM
Hi Gloria,
I had laminaplasty surgery,c3-c6 on Oct.15.I woke up and I can move my arms and legs so I feel like the rest is icing on the cake.I was in the hospital 3 rough days.I am home now and I have to wear a rigid collar for 2 weeks.I have complete confidence in the orthopedic spine surgeon who worked on me.He really fought for me during the surgery and he believes everything went according to plan.It's his favroite procedure.The doctor and his physician assistants all agree the laminaplasty from the posterior is the way to go for 3 or more levels.It's also a much rougher recovery then acdf.The incision site feels like a metal skewer is going thru my neck.I couldn't eat for several days because I was sick from the antithesia amd pain medicine.Now I can eat and I'm on oral pain medication.Everyday is getting a little easier.Unfortunately now I have another problem.About a month ago I woke up in the middle of the night in a funny position and I streatched an felt something pop in the middle of my back.The pain has gotten worse and it has me really concerned.When all this is behind me I am really going to appreciate my health and enjoy it everyday.I send everyone out there facing neck and back issues my prayers and good thouhts,I'll post again as i progress.
I had laminaplasty surgery,c3-c6 on Oct.15.I woke up and I can move my arms and legs so I feel like the rest is icing on the cake.I was in the hospital 3 rough days.I am home now and I have to wear a rigid collar for 2 weeks.I have complete confidence in the orthopedic spine surgeon who worked on me.He really fought for me during the surgery and he believes everything went according to plan.It's his favroite procedure.The doctor and his physician assistants all agree the laminaplasty from the posterior is the way to go for 3 or more levels.It's also a much rougher recovery then acdf.The incision site feels like a metal skewer is going thru my neck.I couldn't eat for several days because I was sick from the antithesia amd pain medicine.Now I can eat and I'm on oral pain medication.Everyday is getting a little easier.Unfortunately now I have another problem.About a month ago I woke up in the middle of the night in a funny position and I streatched an felt something pop in the middle of my back.The pain has gotten worse and it has me really concerned.When all this is behind me I am really going to appreciate my health and enjoy it everyday.I send everyone out there facing neck and back issues my prayers and good thouhts,I'll post again as i progress.
sunshine221
10-20-2008, 07:49 PM
Hang in there - the first few weeks will be tough but you should be fine from there. Every once in a while I get tightness around my scar but generally the site healed fine.
Sunshine
Sunshine
rwjwith
11-18-2008, 08:48 PM
Malbo55,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am hoping you are improving. How are you doing now? Has the Laminaplasty helped your issues?
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am hoping you are improving. How are you doing now? Has the Laminaplasty helped your issues?
bobs300
12-24-2008, 02:07 AM
I am 3 weeks post cervical laminaplasty c3-c6. My everyday morning headaches are gone. Numbness/pain/tingling in both arms and hands is greatly reduced. I have a lot less motion in neck now as everything feels very tight and sore. I think when I start therapy that will help. I was scheduled for fusion with an orthopedic surgeon, but then found out about this from an neurosurgeon, which sounded like the better option for me.