donor bone cracked - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

nibroc · 04-27-2006, 08:22 PM

I had ACDF in Jan (C5-6) with donor bone and no plating. Was in Aspen collar for six weeks. My doctor told me after reviewing my recent x-ray that the donor bone had cracked in the front. He didn't seem to think it was a big deal. I'm not having in pain or problems except the arm numbness I had before surgery. Should I be worried about this???
Thanks

acdfouch · 04-28-2006, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nibroc

I had ACDF in Jan (C5-6) with donor bone and no plating. Was in Aspen collar for six weeks. My doctor told me after reviewing my recent x-ray that the donor bone had cracked in the front. He didn't seem to think it was a big deal. I'm not having in pain or problems except the arm numbness I had before surgery. Should I be worried about this???
Thanks

If you are just having arm numbness (and have continually having it since surgery), I wouldn't be too concerned - or at least overly.

Numbness and tinglyness are the two last things to go (along with muscle spasms apparently).

But I would at the very least keep an eye on the crack and make sure it either seals back up or doesnt get worse... That I think could be a problem.

dennisgb · 04-28-2006, 08:50 AM

Are you still taking calcium and vitamin D?

I would suggest that you may be able to get this to fuse again if you get consistent calcium for bone growth. You might ask about this and a bone growth stimulator.

Without the plate, you want to get a good strong fuse...

Dennis

SpineAZ · 04-28-2006, 07:46 PM

I was going to say part of what Dennis said - a bone stimulator. I'm scheduled for a C5-C7 ACDF on 5/18 (with hardward) and my doctor starts each paitent out with the bone stimulator from day one. 4 hours a day for a few months. It would at least help accelerate the healing of the crack in the donor bone.

nibroc · 04-30-2006, 07:20 PM

My doctor has said nothing to me about a bone growth stimulator, calcium, etc. I will check into this. Thanks for responding.