Titanium Medronics plate question - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

DollyDnovrain · 08-24-2006, 07:08 PM

Okay Folks...I went for my pre-op today and got a gander at the titanium plate they are using to fuse C3-4 and C5-6...It was huge and much thicker than I expected. I'm a little person. 5'2" and I weigh a mere 103 lbs soaking wet. I have a long, slender neck with not the thickest skin. I'm just wondering if any of you out there that have those plates can feel them after surgery. I can't imagine that you wouldn't. I mean...It's going to take up at least 2" on the front of my neck under my muscle fascia. I'm freaking out thinking that I will always know it's there. Can anybody share their experience with the plate? The nurse told me that I could probably be able to feel it by pushing on my own neck, that it would not be visible to others, but I'm wondering if the feeling of swallowing a large metal brick will ever go away?

EEEEEEEK!

DD

Coast Guard Dad · 08-25-2006, 04:37 AM

small, medium, large, The hardware is sometimes made in different sizes. The show room model you may have seen, might have been a large size, or even an outdated sample that has been in setting around the office for a dozen years, when they actualy use an up to date, improved slimer hardware. As I was being prepped for surgery, I was informed that I was getting the latest and greatest in the line of hardware for my fusion. So the model I saw in the office was outdated. The hardware was so new that the Doctor didnt have a sample for the office yet. I did not care about what color it was as long as it helped my pain go away. My hardware was made by Medtronics also.

DollyDnovrain · 08-25-2006, 08:26 AM

Thank you!
I sure hope that the one used as show and tell at pre-op will also be a bit outdated. Or one that they use for a 200 lb 6' man. If not, I doubt that I will ever be able to turn my head again. I'm definitely not concerned with color, lol...though pink might suit me better, but definitely could use a bit thinner model as I haven't the thick skin to cover all that titanium. Thanks for clarifying or bringing to my attention that the models are not necessarily the exact one, shape or size that will be used. I think I'm actually going to try to find out prior to Tuesday surgery.

Bye,
DD

technomom · 08-25-2006, 09:31 AM

I had a cervical fusion in 2002 and have NEVER felt the plate. Plates do come in various sizes and I am sure the doctor will use the one that is right for you. Did you ask him if it was a sample or the actual size of the one they will use?

DollyDnovrain · 08-27-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by technomom

I had a cervical fusion in 2002 and have NEVER felt the plate. Plates do come in various sizes and I am sure the doctor will use the one that is right for you. Did you ask him if it was a sample or the actual size of the one they will use?

Thank You! Thank You, Technomom! One more thing I can relax about.

Diann