Cervical FAQ's
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One of the most fascinating areas of SpineUniverse is the community section, where real spinal pain sufferers have the opportunity to speak directly with leading Neurosurgeon, Gerald E. Rodts, M.D. of Emory University, and Orthopaedic Surgeon Rick C. Sasso, M.D. of the Indiana University School of Medicine. We present a series of interesting questions on trauma and injury. SpineUniverse answers appear in red. |
What is the time frame for rehab after cervical anterior surgery? Will there be phys. therapy after the brace is removed? After 3wks it seems like the neck muscles would get awfully weak. Posted by: Jean Thompson Date Posted - Mar 29 2000
Ques. Just what are the possibilities of damage that can be done to surrounding vertabrae after cervical fusion. Upcoming surgery fusion C5-6 and C6-7 w/plate insert. thanx Posted by: Jean Thompson Date Posted - Mar 29 2000
Dear Jean Thompson: The scientific literature is lacking in information regarding the rate of "adjacent level" changes or degeneration following a cervical fusion. Fusion of any portion of the spine affects the biomechanics of adjacent segments, but the few articles that do exists suggest the rate of adjacent level problems developing later is quite low. An approximate percentage may be in the range of 3-8% chance of adjacent level problems resulting from an initial surgery. This usually refers to x-ray changes only and often these changes are not even symptomatic. In reference to your other questions, the common types of cervical surgery (e.g. discectomy and fusion) usually require just a day or two in the hospital. Each surgeon has his/her own preferences for how long a collar needs to be worn or whether a collar is recommended at all. Whether a patient needs rehabilitation after surgery depends on the presence or absence of neurological deficits (e.g. muscle weakness) or the need to increase their range of motion. Most patients do not require rehabilitation. The normal, day to day activities one performs are often more than enough to "loosen" up the muscles and regain motion after wearing a brace.