ACDF 1 yr later, 2 new buldges? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

mdla · 01-24-2004, 04:01 AM

Hi, had fusion of neck 6-7 about a year ago. the rest of the disks were fine, and mostly except for pain like once twice a week nothing really bad until like 13 months out, bad pain. Now mri says the 2 disks near it are buldging ive done nothing and did all the pt, excercises etc. Is this common?

KeithEugeneW · 01-24-2004, 01:32 PM

From what I've read this is quite common. I believe somewhere around 30% of people who receive fusion surgery end up having more levels fused within 10 years due to the domino effect. This is caused by the immobilization of the level(s) fused, causing increased strain on the other levels that have to take up the load. This is why I am very interested in seeing how the artificial disc trials go here in the states, and I hope that they are a common alternative to fusion soon. In my case, the discs at C5/6 and C6/7 are all but gone, but my surgeon doesn't want to do surgery, because the levels above that also have DDD significant enough that he said he'd be operating annually on me once he started as those other levels failed more rapidly due to them not being able to take on the additional stress.

srivito · 01-24-2004, 05:23 PM

Hi,

Yes, unfortunately, this is a very real occurance that can happen, just as Keith just said. I leave for Canada tomorrow morning to get a Bryan ADR (artificial disc replacement) because of the "domino effect" you are describing. I had C5-7 fused 19 mos ago and now c 4/5 is majorly herniated. Before my fusion it was fine. Do some searches on this board and the internet regarding artificial disc replacements. They seem to be the hope of the future for people like us.

Best of luck to you,

Sue

mdla · 01-24-2004, 11:47 PM

I wish they had told me of this before so it wasnt such a shock to me, I guess there is no way of preventing it. I may consider the facet blocker as I just can't deal with the pain everyday but I know that may not do the trick either. Ill work on that sense of humor about it.

nero · 01-26-2004, 09:19 PM

I am so glad you folks have talked about this. When I mentioned it prior to my surgery acdf with own bone plate at c5 c6 i got a fairly defensive response I felt. I was just trying to be informed and in fact switched doctors in order to get one who would realistically assess my bulging disc below my herniated one. Even the drs. i had were closed mouth about it and it was only my current surgeon who mentioned his meeting with the first Canadian dr. who was ADR specialisit and intimated if more goes wrong that it is hopeful for people who suffer the domino effect.

I researched that at c5 c6 there is a more likely eventuality of recurrent herniation and especially like in my case where the c6 c7 is already bulging. Although my dr. said it was a question worth raising and looking into , he chose not to extract that disc upon observation at surgery. I can only pray it was a positive decision for me.

I guess the reality is that when in this type of pain you have very little choice other than to hope painkillers may get you through or you are incredibly adept at guided imagery.

I for one wish the ADR was currently available at my surgery but to date wasn't. I find it hard to believe I would have the stamina to go through all this again and not get extremely depressed or at least despondent about how much one can take. BUT, many of you have made it and I only hope that I can mimic your strength.

I have much respect for you all, and good luck.

Sincerely, Nero