Dangers of cervical surgery? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Tefkat · 01-27-2003, 05:33 PM

I posted this on the back board by mistake. This seems a more sensible place.

The NS was extremely dismissive when I asked him about possible negative results of a cervical fusion.
He basically said that the only real danger is paralysis - and there's less than 1% probability of that happening.
He also said "If the metal plates get infected we'll just take them out again". I'm afraid I don't find that reassuring at all.

Can anyone tell me what the dangers are?

mothmin · 01-27-2003, 10:41 PM

Tef, friday will be 7 week post-op for me, maybe I'm not the norm, but i felt basically fine after about ten days. as far as the plate getting infected, I think he meant post fusion, in which it's not really needed anymore, it's kind of like a cast on a broken arm, once the bone grows back together, they take off the cast. the surgery was easier than I thought it would be, my only problem was my bladder freaked out from the catheter...that hurt like hell. Now I just want to go back to work.

Tefkat · 01-28-2003, 10:01 AM

A catheter. Ouch! Poor mothmin.

Are those really the only things that can go wrong though?

mothmin · 01-28-2003, 11:47 AM

Taffy, I was told paralasis was more likely if you DON'T get the surgery! especially if your cord is being compressed. I tryed every alterative befor surgery including stretching (every) morning at 4 am. it helped the pain but my cord was crushed and had to be fixed. you'll be fine.

Tiphareth · 01-29-2003, 02:40 PM

Hello Tefkat,

I am new to this board and don't know anything about your situation except what you have posted. I'm not sure if you are asking about possible complications during surgery or after. I am not a doctor or medical professional and my comments should not be construed as medical advise.
One of the problems that cervical fusion has caused me is that the levels above and below the fusion site take on additional stress and eventually they become problems as well. Also, I am aware that pedicle screws often used in plating can have problems later on (breaking).