Cervical Spine Surgery - Rear Approach??? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

PastorRobbie · 04-10-2009, 07:51 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have another question. As some of you know, I'm soon to have C-5, C-6 & C-7 fused. However, I have an issue that I'd like to raise here and get your opinion on.

Of course, I use my voice constantly in my profession. I am a Pastor and also a Christian Recording Artist. My voice is the tool that I always utilize and need.

I understand that there are some slight risks of damaging the Larynx and also the nerve going to it during this surgery. My surgeon and I are going to discuss the risk on Wednesday in depth and I will decide at that time whether or not I want him to perform the surgery through the front or the back, in other words a Posterior approach versus an Anterior approach.

Has anyone here had Cervical Spine Surgery in a similar fashion and if so what was it like? What was the recovery like?

My Surgeon told me that because of the muscle and tissue that would have to be cut into from the Posterior approach, the recovery and pain would be much more intense and lengthened.

Anyone with insight into this situation, your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all once more as always and God bless!

sunshine221 · 04-11-2009, 05:46 AM

Hi

I dont check back often. I had the rear approach, a C4-C7 laminectomy in Sept 05. My understnding is that this is the older technique but it made sense to me as far as range of motion, etc. A laminectomy "frees" the constriction but without removing the disks so there are no plates and no fusion. The recovery wasn't that difficult. I was surprised that I couldn't lift my arms well right after surgery but within a week it was significantly improved. I couldn't drive for 8 to 10 weeks but I was back to work in 2 weeks (taking breaks to rest flat every few hours). See my old posts and I'll try to check back to see what you decide.

Sunshine

jennybyc · 04-11-2009, 12:23 PM

I've had 2 posterior cervical spine surgeries. The first was a new surgery called a laminoplasty. They remove the bone over the spinal cord and instead of just leaving the cord unprotected like a laminectomy does, they drill out and re-shape the bone and then replace it with bone sutures and a small graft. No fusion. It was great! Numbness gone, pain gone.

Then 3 months later I ripped the ligaments in my neck which caused it to invert and go from curved in to curved out, re-crushing my whole spine all over again. So back into the OR and they opened me up from the rear again and fused me from C3 to T1 with a new modular system that allows screw placement before rods are attached so the screws can all be checked before anything is permanent. I awoke with partial paralysis in all 4 limbs and was told I would probably be permanently affected on my left side. NOPE! At a recent check-up with a new neurologist, he did the full exam and told me if I hadn't told him about the surgery, he never would have known. Worked my tail off in PT and about the only problem I have is strength over the long haul. My left shoulder gets weak faster than my right.

And I am now facing my 3rd posterior cervical as I've herniated the only disk left in my neck...C2-3.

The recovery is longer and more painful as they have to cut muscles to get to the spine. I haven't had an anterior so I can't compare but once the muscles recover the fusion should be any different. I still had to wear a hard collar for 7 weeks and a soft collar for 5 weeks. I was driving at 5 weeks. I can't say anything about work because I never went back. My job was discontinued while I was out. I applied for and got SSDI(I have rheumatoid arthritis too). It's been 27 months since surgery(today actually)and yesterday I was outside with loppers cutting down thorn bushes and vines and raking out the gardens. So I guess recovery is fine.

If you fear losing your voice, do the rear incision. I think from what I've read on here that you get a better outcome than the front entry fusions. Seems like those folks are still complaining of pain even after surgery but my numbness and pain are gone and I have no complaints. I re-injured it doing aerobics.

So talk to your doc and do what is best for you. But I wouldn't fear a posterior for any reason.

gentle hugs..............Jenny

Janatee · 04-11-2009, 05:15 PM

Hello PastorRobbie, First, let me say the people on these boards are great. They give honest and do not hold back advice. I have posted many questions, looking for others who were in the same boat. I have talked with jennybyc many times, and others. I must tell you that I'm waiting to hear when my new surgery will be on my neck, Posterior Cervical. I have had the front done back in 07. I had 4 levels done, plus they removed an entire vertebra and put in what they call a cage. I have plates and screws, and they used my very own bone to help with the fusion. After I awoke from the surgery, I notice I had pain in my shoulders. After getting my meds for pain, I was told this was because they tape down the shoulders to gain more access to the neck. That lasted about 2 days. I was put into an Aspen Collar which I spent 2 months, 5days, and 4 hours!!!! Because of moving the windpipe, to get at where they needed to do the work, I had what felt like a chicken bone in there, and it felt swollen. I had to eat very small bites, because sometimes it felt like nothing would go down right. I must be honest here and tell you, my voice was funny sounding, like a little mouse, AND I could not sing. Just a flat one note. Doc told me this would go away. AND after 9 months, I woke up one morning, and my throat was back to normal, and I could sing in the shower once more. I could reach all the notes I did before. It just takes time. I will need another operation now on the neck , but this time they will approach from the back. I have asked many of these wonderful people for their outcome and results of what they went through. Their info has really helped ease my fear. If I do not get this taken care of, I will end up in a wheel chair, because this is effecting my legs, and walking. No matter what you need to do, or what you have to put on hold, even if its just for awhile, getting this operation in the long run will help with your health, and long life. I know the use of your voice is very important, but I'm sure all of your Church members, would want to see you well and back preaching, even if it means time with out a voice. They understand, I'm sure. As you know, I too have put my surgery in the hands of the Lord. He watched over me on my last operation, and I know he will be right there by my side on this one. I hope this has helped you, and not scared you, but we make it through. Each day gets better and better. I hope you find your answer. Good Luck. Janatee

sammyo1 · 04-12-2009, 06:23 AM

Pastor, I realize there is no way of knowing as far as the voice goes. My voice was fine soon after. Although till this day my throat (front of the neck area) can bother me. I did find it a strain somewhat to sing. Not sure if anyone else noticed of felt that way. I cant give my opinion much on the rear approach but my surgeon said it definantly is not something I would want to do vs the front. This was as he was explaining how important it is to take care during the recovery or if he has to go back in he would do the rear approach & I want to avoid that if possable. I am sure your surgeon will go over the front vs the rear. Captnanny I believe had the rear approach done, perhaps she will see this & give her opinion. I really hope you hear several before making that choice. Everyone is different so either way it would be a tough decision to make. Good luck & god bless, Sammy