paraplegia & cervical stenosis - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

fayth · 03-24-2005, 10:30 PM

I will be having an ACDF on April 4. I have been a T-4 paraplegic for 27 years and now have lost some sensation in my hands and have constant pain in neck and shoulder, all the way down to finger in right hand. My fusions are going to be C5-7, cadaver bone and metal. My posture is terrible due to no stomach muscle control, and expect more fusions in the future if this one is sucessful. If anyone has an opinion on what to expect regarding stiff neck post-surgery? How much will head movement be affected?
Tx, f

rgsmoose · 03-25-2005, 06:10 AM

I'm sorry to hear about your additional spinal issues - I have no idea what it would be like to be paralyzed. But maybe I can help you with your question, as I've had a couple of cervical surgeries for stenosis. I had a c5/c6 corpectomy which fused me from c4 - c7, and then had a c3/c4/c5 laminaplasty which had an impact on c3/c4 mobility. I notice the limitations in neck mobility the most trying to look up - looking down isn't a problem. Side to side movement also isn't what it used to be. I had done some research prior to the surgeries and found an article which said you lose about 10% of the total mobility per level fused. However, most people that are having cervical surgery due to stenosis already have a limited range of movement because of the disease. I know I did. I'd guess my range has been diminished by about 40%, which in my case proves the formula mentioned in the article.

You'll have to get used to turning more with your body rather than your neck. When I try to look up I have to arch my back. When I'm backing up the car I have to shift my body in the seat. I don't like these limitations, but they can't be changed so I just have to adjust to them. You've had to do more of that than I, I'm sure. I wouldn't worry too much about your mobility with a c5 - c7 fusion - it will change things, but I don't think it'll be drastic. And, depending on how your current condition is affecting your mobility (you may not even be aware of it), you may even have more after the fusion.

Good luck. Let us know how it went.

wimpette · 03-25-2005, 06:38 AM

Just want to reassure you about neck movement. I had an ACDF C5-7 and found very little limitation on neck rotation post op. The only limitation was bending forward, I couldn't touch my chin to my chest. I have just had a repeat procedure posterior fusion C4-7 and again have been pleasantly surprised at my neck mobility. However, I have had a lot more physical therapy after the 2nd procedure and that has been an important part in regaining neck movement.
Good luck, sounds like you've had more than your share of problems.
W

fayth · 03-25-2005, 04:55 PM

The tricky part is bending my body. I am paralyzed from under arms down, and use shoulders and neck to turn now. I also have harrington rods fairly high up as I had a laminectomy at T4-5 in 1978 when I broke my back. I found a website out of Australia that shows artificial discs and metal that is flexible. I am going to present these things to my neurosurgeon and get his opinion. Thanks for all the responses. Melisse

tgent · 03-25-2005, 08:06 PM

Good luck. I had acdf c3-c4/c4-c5/c5-c6 Dec.08,2004 and am able to turn my neck pretty good. My n/s advised that it sometimes takes up to a year for a complete fusion, but I feel like it's already fused 3 months out. Again, we'll be thinking about you.