Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion Explained

This video discusses the use of a Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion to treat the symptoms of cervical myelopathy. The surgical procedures, risks, benefits, and outcomes will be discussed in detail.
#thespineguy #spinesurgery #laminectomyandfusion #laminectomywithfusion #hardcervicalcollar #kyphosis #rodsandscrews
#cervicallaminectomy #orthopedicsurgery #cervicalmyelopathy
Dr. Brian W. Su, MD
Spine Surgeon
Chief Development and Strategy Officer | California Orthopedics and Spine
Medical Director of Spine Surgery | Marin General Hospital
Director | Marin Healthcare District Board
Chairman | Marin Specialty Surgery Center
Yelp:
www.yelp.com/biz/brian-su-md-...
Contact two locations:
www.caorthospine.com/
415-927-5300
2 Bon Air Road, Suite 120
Larkspur, CA 94939
7100 Redwood Blvd, Suite 200
Novato, CA 94945
Curriculum Vitae:
www.caorthospine.com/brian-su...
FTC: This video is not sponsored.
Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Information obtained from this video should not be taken in lieu of your own medical provider's advice and treatment plan. Please consult directly with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any diagnosis or treatment plan options. Content provided on this KZbin channel is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose , treat, cure or prevent disease.

[@maria19955]

I had this surgery due to a cancerous mass on my spine called solitary plasmacytoma, a very rare cancer. My dr had to remove the mass tht was wrapped around my spinal cord, and i had a laminectomy and fusion of the C2-C4. I had no pain and only a small loss of neck motion. God bless my neurosurgeon, she is the best of the best. Good luck to anyone having this surgery, i wish you the same outcome i had.

[@maribelarzola6351]

43 year old female, getting C2-T2 on the 16 of December 2022...i am terrified, please keep me in your prayers

[@reneesmith3235]

How are feeling now since your surgery? Have you had any improvement?

[@chaffycaesar8026]

Any update??

[@memesissydollar3080]

How are you feeling ? ❤

[@maribelarzola6351]

It's now October 5th 2023 and I feel great! My surgery went perfect, my recovery was painless but I put in a lot of work and therapy... I highly recommend spinal cord fusion surgery, I recommend Dr. Zachary Lovato in El Paso, TX I had been in pain for almost 30 years and I kept waiting, putting it off, so and anxious... I wish I had done this sooner but I think my Dr. was barely in HS ☺️

[@cjoybfreecbworkk847]

I'd love to know how you are doing with range of motion. I'm REALLY concerned with fusion. I had a baby at your age & I have a three year old to chase around & keep out of trouble. I don't see how I can do that completely fused like this. I have a reverse cervical curve so I don't know that I'm a candidate for anything else. I also live in Texas.

[@supersonicmonkey8193]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos! For people who must have surgery, this is so complete and useful. In my country, (Romania) doctors have little time to talk to their patients and explain the process (because of an over-crowded medical system and lack of proper patient-doctor time). I'm sure this is the case in many other countries as well. So your words from far away will shed light on these procedures all over the world, where people will have to undergo them. Amazing!

[@doctor_feel_good_rx7467]

Another excellent, impressive, and informative presentation.Exceptionally complex surgery requiring significant vast knowledge and skill. I'm also impressed that each comment receives recognition. You are a "God sent." Many thanks and blessings for all you do.

[@thomasinahsu5604]

Thank you Dr. Su!!!! Love how you made this easy to understand. This must get complicated!

[@calilyn1026]

Awesome presentation Dr. Su. You rock!

[@terryschwaighofer6373]

Still and will always follow you. You have taught me more than any doctor I've ever known. To date, no one has ever shown me my x-rays and MRI results and explained them. So for that I thank you sir! The best doctor I've ever met and wish you were mine. Terry

[@TruthAlways59]

excellent video, thank you for sharing

[@dawncraig6278]

Thank you for this video. I am having C3-T2 laminectomy and fusion in a week. This was helpful in preparing me and giving me some insight. I will talk to my surgeon about C5 palsy. Be well !

[@robinboldoe3773]

Thank you for helping me feel comfortable about this surgery!

[@user-gv4mm4fg3n]

You put me at ease! You have been honest. I look forward to my operation. Thank-you.❤

[@sonofthegun5178]

Wow you are the best at explaining all of these procedures. Great job sir and as always awesome videos.

[@tomwilley9037]

Excellent. Thanks

[@user-sz5dt9ih7f]

This is the very best video on the internet explaining this procedure. Thank you very much Dr. Su!!!

[@Hibernia2324]

Incredibly complex operations and you still take the time to do these videos. Thank you for clearly explaining all these spinal conditions and treatments.

[@ruthgallagher1168]

Thank you for this.

[@dhanyprojek8010]

Good Presentation. Tks

[@JAMESR504]

Ok.Will look into making that virtual appointment.Thank You.

[@carolefetela1087]

Very informative and helpful! My husband had this surgery and it’s great to see exactly what was done!

[@cypresswisteria]

Thank you for this video 🙏🏾

[@roxannestone5151]

Thank you sincerely, as this video easily explains the surgery I'm about to have and prepares me for any type of complications. Much appreciated!

[@lictus69]

Recently underwent this surgery and this is one of the best videos I watched to help reinforce the explanation from my surgeon.... You pretty much explained everything the same way my surgeon did

[@user-lh1zj4sh6p]

Had it done at c3,4 and 5 surgery went well without a hitch not gonna sugar coat it.....hurt like hell the first couple days after surgery. 20 days after still a little stiff but progressing....I was afraid going in but had an excellent surgeon and team. Hoping for the best over time.

[@ivanhon3623]

Thank you for such excellent explanation of the entire process including the healing timeline that helps lessen my anxiety of guessing this or that after the surgery.

[@nickho7113]

Awesome overview! Thank you...

[@nickho7113]

Had my procedure two months ago. C2 to T1. All is good. No issues. Your video helped me understand clearly what to expect. Thank you..

[@ReSearcherSusie]

Thank you Dr. Su! I’m having C3-T2 fusion in a few weeks and this video helped me better understand the surgery and anatomy of the neck. Thank you. 😊

[@maryamibrahim818]

Good day doctor thank you so much

[@mikegarrett861]

60 yrs old. My neck all 4 levels Mod to severe. Lower back same. Still do everything i like to do but have to chill and recover a couple days after. Doing everything possible to deal without surgery to get by. Of all the doctors i have spoken with you are by far my first choice when ever it comes to considering surgery just by watching your video's. I can sense you really love your craft and truly care about your patients and they're out come. Keep up the great work..."

[@doxidad1254]

Don't put off have surgery to long. I had C3/C7 almost 2 years ago. And I am doing good. It is a scary thing to have to have done. But you will be so glad to get it behind you.

[@kbaseheart]

Dr Su is great. Had my surgery in 2018 and haven’t had any issues. Laminectomy cervical 4 through 7, foraminotomy right cervical 3/4, 4/5, posterior cervical decompression and fusion C3 thru T1 with instrumationtation .

[@terriliggett544]

My neck has anterolisthesis and 2 vertebrae have auto fused. I’m having intense headaches. I’m waiting for an MRI. Dr. Su is so straightforward. I really appreciate his videos. I wish he would post more about the thoracic spine.

[@johngagliardi7740]

Thank you.

[@meopai3]

thanks

[@cjoybfreecbworkk847]

❤❤❤This video made feel alot less mortified of fusion. Thanks for explaining range of motion. I'm only in my 40s with a 3yr old & I definitely don't want to look/feel like a robot.

[@user-zc6nf3go5g]

I wish I had you as my surgeon. You explained everything so well. I just had a c5-c7 acdf 3 months ago and developed 2 secondary conditions. Parsonage Turner syndrome and a frozen shoulder. Been in more pain post surgery than before and alot of nerve and spinal damage. I had severe myelopathy. I now need assistance with daily living tasks. I'm still hoping for a complete recovery.

[@doriannakristensen9604]

What are your symptoms with frozen shoulder?

[@cmbooks2000]

The more of your videos I watch the less inclined I am to have either of these procedures. Thank you

[@user-lh1zj4sh6p]

Very informative I am having this surgery because of damage from radiation treatment which does not entry to the front of my spine..a little scared but hopefully the outcome will allow me to enjoy life and remain in pain.

[@lynnefromthelake]

I had a C-Spine laminectomy and fusion in April of 2023. I have a ladder running down my C-Spine in my x-rays. I have very little loss of motion and have no trouble with full motion of my neck. I am continually active and blew through P.T. My range of motion is pretty much normal for a person that did not have metal put in their neck. My surgeon is awesome and is based on Cape Cod, MA. I had major problems with falls. It doesn't happen any longer. I have a total metallic C-Spine, and no issues from this surgery. My docs look at my x-rays and are so amused when I present in person. This x-ray, does not match your physical ability.

[@sandrablanco6592]

Dr Su, Your videos are everything I was looking for! Making an educated decision is highly important to me...the more I learn the better I feel. I'm in a cross-road gathering information and understanding what are the options for my cervical condition. Now I know that there are other options, than the only one I was given by the neurosurgeon I was referred to. Thanks to your excellent KZbin channel...I'm ready to look for a second medical opinion.

[@elizabethwhite1014]

Thanks for the deep dive. I learned a lot from watching this video. I had to giggle when you said, "Usually, we're not doing a C1/C2 laminectomy and fusion." Well, guess what I'm here researching? LOL, yep - C1/C2 laminectomy/fusion (Goel-Harms technique).

[@dorothygregory3184]

46 years old getting ready to have another neck surgery had prior c5 C6 acdf surgery now getting this on on my c2 c3 and c4 on April 19th at 3pm 😊

[@dorothygregory3184]

How long does the recovery process take

[@cindylong5699]

Would love to see info on Sciatic pain

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You should watch the lumbar stenosis videos and the lumbar disc herniation videos

[@ranjanroutrout183]

Wowwwwww❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TalkToMeGoose550]

This is an excellent overview of this surgery. I just had this done about 3 weeks ago and it seemed to turn out fine. Incredible pain in the first week. I still have pain in the neck area and left shoulder near the shoulder blade. Really unsure why. The discs were C2-C7. Really good video.

[@DamianDDuncan]

Hey Dan. How are doing now?

[@Brandosway]

Hello Dan Hope you are feeling better. My wife is fusing the C1 - to C2 next week. Any suggestions or comments you have would be greatly appreciated! Thank-you Scott

[@TalkToMeGoose550]

@@DamianDDuncan I'm doing OK. I still have the neck and shoulder blade pain. I stopped taking painkillers about a week+ ago as it wasn't helping this pain that much. I'm surprised how long it's taking to heal to be honest.

[@DamianDDuncan]

@@TalkToMeGoose550 Hope that gets better for you. How's your neck mobility? What symptoms were you experiencing before surgery?

[@TalkToMeGoose550]

@@DamianDDuncan yes, good question...forgot to mention. I was carrying heavy items in a backpack + luggage with my right arm. Overnight, had sharp pains down my right arm with finger numbness. Went to my PCP and diagnosed with a pinched nerved and eventually cervical spondylosis after MRI. Still have limit movement with my neck e.g., left/right.

[@barbrepko6052]

can you do a video explaining what happens when you fracture a shmorels node in the thoracic spine?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

That's a pretty unusual situation.

[@eddiemiranda2343]

9 wks from my ACDF 3 level and pain still on the back of the neck.

[@anthonywilson5238]

Thank You I’m facing down this procedure head up I have the Chief Surgeon here i Austin who’s going to save me

[@rnmisrahi]

Have you treated people with CECI, pots, Eds? My daughter went through several months of prolotherapy, prep and stem. Her episodes keep recurring.

[@vijay-pc5wu]

Hi doctor. Been seeing your videos and you make me understand my condition clearly. Thank you! I have cervical myelopathy with numbness in legs and arms. The first line in my MRI report says "Cervical lordosis obliterated - muscle spasm". I have consulted 5 doctors till now but no one has told me about this. They told only about my c5 c6 bulge and that I need surgery. However I remember 1 chiropractor mentioning that my spine is not curved properly. What does this "cervical lordosis obliterated - muscle spasm" mean?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

It means loss of lordosis or kyphosis which is forward pitching of the spine.

[@alejandrinavega686]

Thank you, Dr. Su for this video. I am a therapeutic massage therapist and recently had a client who had this procedure done approximately a year ago. They came to me to see if they could have pain relief through massage. They claimed that they had finished PT and were cleared for soft tissue therapy. I was wondering what modality would best be used on a person that has had this procedure and ACDF. I treated them with a variation of friction, both petrissage and effleurage with moderate pressure. I was wondering if cupping with silicone cups would be beneficial. Thank you for your time and attention.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

It depends how far out they are from surgery. I would avoid manipulation for at least 6 to 12 months. All other soft tissue modalities are okay

[@carjic]

On March 8th I had a Posterior Cervical Laminectomy of C3 to C7 but no Fusion. I can't find any videos or explanations of this being done without fusion. You would do well to make one. More people than you think would watch them.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

We only do those in very select cases because of the risk of post-laminectomy kyphosis

[@carjic]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Well I guess I was a select case as I have the best surgeon in San Antonio.

[@seanweaver1]

I have had C3-C6 with no fusion.

[@dogtorphil]

C1-C-7 laminectomy and fusion on 3 April and scared to death!😢😢

[@mokabokal101]

Hi Dr. Brian , do you use the ultrasonic cutters ? I m not sure if that correct but to my modest knowledge I think it make sense instead of using the old tools that spins and it might causes damage to the spinal cord

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

That is a marketing ploy. Decompression can be very safely done with ultrasonic cutters as well as with diamond tip and non-end cutting burrs. There are no difference in the outcomes

[@championsofodin9868]

Dr if polyaxial screws are used for posterior cervical fusion, does this still provide stabilization and if so, do these polyaxial screws allow for more range of motion than typical fixed pedicle screws?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

They have more range of motion and very good stability

[@yenisusanti7644]

Hi doc I'm 37 years and already do laminectomy. But my right leg still numb so make me so hard do activities Any suggestion to handle this numb

[@terriliggett5377]

How do you keep the screws from protruding out creating painful bumps on the skin? Do you have plastic surgeons in the operating room to mitigate this?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

The screws are deep and you cannot feel them because the muscle covers it

[@stephaniehyde2862]

Hey i have 2 level of bulgin cervical disc at 30 compressing the spinal cord. Informed that i have to do surgery. Do u suggest disc replacement/fusion?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Watch the playlist called cervical stenosis

[@kayeszymanski6945]

Great video! I have a C4-C6 fusion done by anterior cervical disc fusion. 5 years ago. Last year developed rotator cuff tears and tendinopathies in both shoulders. Coincidence? 🤔

[@Charles-ht4mt]

can you please do a video on non-union of a failed lumbar fusion surgery?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Yes I can

[@derekli3864]

Please, we are waiting for your "Failed back surgery syndrome" video. Thanks

[@Charles-ht4mt]

Thanks so much! I had a Osteomyelitis infection, a fusion that i had got infected, destroying my l4-l5 fusion creating a non union. :(

[@heenadobhal548]

Very informative. I have a question, How come this is called Laminectomy and fusion( and not laminectomy and fixation) , when in say Lumbar spine it would be called laminectomy and transpedicular fixation, Vs fusion when interbody device is used.( like TLIF)?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Thats not the typical nomenclature

[@darrencorcoran3508]

Hi I have billateal pars defect and spondylolisthesis mild can this cos siatica pain in both legs and is it curable?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Yes. Watch isthmic spondylolisthesis series

[@Kreacher1974]

I had C5-T1 ACDF 2 weeks ago. The Dr said I can stop wearing my neck brace already. Is this common to stop wear brace after only 2 weeks?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

It is not been shown in any study that bracing is useful. However, I always place my patients in a brace just to remind them they had surgery as well as the people around them. I would follow the direction of your surgeon

[@jgmz23]

Is this the preferred procedure for OPLL ? Since it limits mobility of the cervical disc and prevents further growth. Thank you for these videos

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Yes we do that for OPLL

[@jgmz23]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank for your reply. Hopefully one day you can make a video on opll since there is limited information on it and seems to affect a number of people.

[@AnandBhatt-cm6ue]

Hi Dr. Su, my father has visited three neurosurgeons with 2 recommending a cervical laminectomy with fusion and 1 recommending a laminoplasty. Why would there be differing of opinions?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

If you watch these surgical options video you will see that there are many different ways to do the surgery. It is always my preference when possible to do a plasty for all of the reasons that the laminoplasty video states.

[@dariniakhongwir]

Dr Su, what kind of life can we expect after a laminectomy? I had one c3-c7 six months ago. My neck is still stiff and sore. Headaches are terrible. Can we wear heels ever again? What can we do without fear and curb in our lifestyle?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

It takes 1 year to recover

[@GoChiefs5201]

Is this preformed anterior and posterior?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

This is a posterior alone surgery

[@jrobinson42479]

I have moderate stenosis in my C5 & C6 & some bulging discs. I have severe pain in both shoulder blades. The majority of the time, it’s in the left side. I’d say 70/30. The entire left side of my trunk goes numb. I also get weird electric shock feeling in my left arm. I’ve been the PT and that didn’t help. I’ve had 2 injections & that didn’t work. I’ve been seeing a pain management doctor and a surgeon. I go back to the surgeon next week to see what he wants to do. What do you think he’d do to me? Any help is appreciated greatly.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

I would have to look at the imaging you can make a virtual appointment by calling 415-925-8200

[@Gator805]

Could you do a video on loss of lumbar lordosis?? I'm looking at a major disc replacement and fusion surgery to correct it, and would like to see what options are out there.

[@championsofodin9868]

Do you handle skull to t1 fusion or do you do only C1 downwards?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Yes I do

[@iotanb1772]

Hi Doctor, Is there a reason why the technique of Deuk spine institute is not more universally practiced? Is it really because fusing & other procedures are more profitable for surgeons & insurance companies or is there a catch with that technique?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Laser spine surgery was debunked by the North American spine society several years ago and the laser spine institute went out of business. It was largely marketing gimmick. I don't know the deuk institute

[@iotanb1772]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy ultrasonic technique not laser

[@thomasinahsu5604]

I wouldn't have anyone else do this surgery on me.. thank you for explaining this so easily. I'm pretty sure I will need this in the future. 🙄

[@vanessalittle-sellers7981]

I wonder about leaving the spine somewhat!! I would be very concerned about infection….especially for someone with diabetes!!

[@vanessalittle-sellers7981]

Supposed to say OPEN or EXPOSED!!

[@JAMESR504]

DR. WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?IN CALIFORNIA?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

California orthopedics and spine in Marin

[@brendabarndt2090]

I have a second fusion which was my 3rd back surgery T11 screw started bending and broke my vertebra now my surgeon wants to do a full spine fusion is there another way to fix it without fusing my whole spine? please help!

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You can call 415-925-8200 for a second opinion with me by video

[@jenneoaks6276]

Are you able to turn your neck after your healed I’m worried about driving

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Yes. You still have some rotation it should not be an issue to drive

[@fishin-impossible2992]

I had this surgery back in Sept 23 , I'm 5 months out I still don't have any strength numb and burning in my right hand middle -ring& pink finger. It's hard to get my elbows above my shoulders, and I'm starting to regret this. Dr says he's releasing my and sending me to my primary care Dr and for him to start the disability process, claims all his work looks great. What do I need to do. I'm at a loss

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

It can take up to one year for the cord to heal it also depends on your dysfunction before surgery. I would have to look at the imaging. You can call 415-925-8200 for a second opinion

[@fishin-impossible2992]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy I just had another MRI on 4-9-24 and got a call from the new Dr and he says there's spinal cord damage and that no further surgery is recommended, he says follow up with my Pain management Dr, . I continue to have severe pain when I look down or up for more than a couple minutes, my forearms to my fingers Middle, ring, pinky are numb and burn constantly. My arms feel like I've been holding very heavy weights constantly, I'll try and call Monday morning THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@Huskylife381]

Aug 28 2023 I just had this surgery and still recovering. I had spinal stenosis.

[@JJbro-rt5zu]

How are you today

[@Huskylife381]

I’m still in a lot of pain sadly. It’s been nearly a year. My left shoulder is feeling more of the affects of it with swelling and loads of pain. I just don’t how much longer I can keep this up.

[@avfan967]

Every time you talk, I put my brain on absorb. You spread an incredible amount of knowledge and experience that I simply find fascinating!

[@mudigondanageswararao5468]

laminectomy surgery from c2 to c6 free from any implantation. now the problem is rh hand pain .any ec=xcercixe plas

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

I would have to take a look at the imaging studies please call 415-925-8200 for a second opinion

[@katygirl9221]

Dr. Su I had a laminectomy with instrumentation from c3 to T1 for a spinal cord compression in Houston, Texas in 2021. The doctors kept telling me I would go paralyzed without the surgery. I was completely healthy and physically active. Today I got my new MRI and I'm afraid because mri says I have myelomalacia AND myelopathy. Dr. Su 😢is the myelopathy and myelomalacia from after getting the surgery or before and from the severerity of my spinal cord compression? I had a big wig doctor that was Orthopedic Surgeon to the star athletes. But he moved and I need another surgeon to answer my questions about c1 and c2 slipping out in the future. I have means and good insurance. Can you please be my new spine surgeon. Or recommend me a top one like yourself in Houston, Texas or Katy, Texas, please? 🙏🏽

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You should try text us back institute. You can also call 415-925-8200 for a second opinion with me

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Texas back institute

[@massuffianabdulkarim7825]

Hello Dr. I want to know are there technology available to replace metal screw with hidroxyapatite screw? What is the risk using non metal screw?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

We don't typically use cement screws.

[@AndyL940]

I think your wonderful for sharing your expertise with us . I have cervical stenosis and you have put me at ease about the whole situation .. thank you 🙏

[@jeannekinkade7367]

I love all your videos. My entire C-spine is fused down to T1. My last MRI shows that I have four bulging discs in my T-spine along with one rather large blown disc in my L. I couldn't find any videos of yours on disc issues in the thoracic spine. I know they are rare but since finding out my latest scan, I'm feeling rather uninformed about it. Can you shed some light on this condition at some point? Thanks so much.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

I would have to look at the imaging studies. You can make a virtual appointment at California orthopedics and spine

[@jeannekinkade7367]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy That's fine. I was simply looking for you to do an upcoming video on thoracic spine issues. Thanks, anyway, sir.

[@mohammedbadawi3616]

Hello Dr. I really need help i have got spondylolisthesis grade 2 L4/5 and i am only 19 years old and i have been told that i should not lift anything or to do squats,deadlifts but there are many people who have Spondy and they are doing this things and they are getting better i am confused for what should i do i want to have normal life without pain with strength i am crying everyday i feel like an old man i am loosing myself i would do anything to get my back as it was before. Thanks a lot

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Watch my spondylolisthesis videos

[@terriliggett544]

I’m having progressively worse headaches from cervical problems. X-ray shows c4 anterolisthesis and auto fusion of C5 C6. I’m waiting for an MRI. I have left shoulder pain (deltoid) and upper arm pain. Sometimes pins and needles in the arm. I’m starting with the pain management to discuss epidurals. Headaches are keeping me in bed. I’ll try your NSAID protocol after speaking with my surgeon. I hope there are solutions.

[@JAMESR504]

DR. I’m a 49 year old female that just found out I need a POSTERIOR CERVICAL DECOMPRESSION AND FUSION SURGERY C-3,C-5 and C-7 I’m very scared due to that I’m loosing mobility on my legs and arms .I would like a second opinion.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You can make a virtual appointment with me at California orthopedics and spine.

[@JAMESR504]

Ok.Thank You Dr.Appreciate you replying .

[@terriliggett544]

I am very thin. Do screws from cervical fusions ever bulge out into the skin after the swelling is resolved post surgery? I’ve seen this on a couple of FB groups I’m on. Is this a rare occurrence? I know this is an odd question. Thank you.

[@Sara-rd8nr]

Is Myelopathy the same as tethered spinal cord? I have that due to Spina Bifida. Have you done a video on release surgery? I'm terrified of it, but in my mid-40's, the pain & weakness definitely has my attention.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Myelopathy is not the same as tethered chord.

[@bandi-ut1nv]

Hi sir C1 c2 nervs are damaged sir Body movement lose sir Only hands worked sir Stomach and legs no sence sir

[@christynegerbasi4775]

Is there a risk of leaving the duration exposed? Is that at more risk of injuries because it is exposed?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

No there is no risk of leaving it exposed

[@christynegerbasi4775]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you so much for this reply. My husband is undergoing this procedure next week. His acdf was three years ago.

[@judyzhu7339]

How May I visit you? Any online appointment?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You can make a virtual appointment at California orthopedics and spine

[@trypticon31]

Dr Su, I have a MRI report and CT I would like an second opinion is it possible I can send you by email ? The neurosurgeon suggested to have surgery . But would like to have 2 nd opinion

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You can call California orthopedics and spine to make a virtual appointment with me

[@trypticon31]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy I have but no one called me back, I've called this morning , I'm aware you from a different state .

[@Michael-tt6kv]

So you're saying that it's not possible to fix a frozen arm because of this

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

No

[@mkm69]

i can't believe that i am 22 years old having a flat neck . l4 l5 s1 bulged or herniated discs . bad posture all over the spine and scoliosis and the bones are touching each other in the back also knees . i can't believe all this is happening at one time at this age . what is going on . i Haven't being lifting heavy . yes i set a lot on cheer my whole studying journey . but once every hour pass without knowledge about the back stuff we walk and move a lot as kids . why this is happening i am not even over 40 years old . every doctor i met was chocked . this is so depressing . now i am lost what to fix and how to fix . some stuff they told they will never be dixed i just have to live with the pain witch i can imagine is only getting harder by time . this is so depressing it's like i already don't have another major problems to deal with 😡😡😡😡

[@sauravbasu8805]

How are you now ?

[@benzodabs]

24 yrs old and I fracture my c2 in a car accident.

[@happinessclass3952]

hello dr. I really need your help I am 24 years old and I got grade 1spodolysthesis . Should I go for surgery because dr. says it wil be lifelong and I can't lift weight. I am crying i don't want to live life with pain

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You should watch the spondylolisthesis video

[@happinessclass3952]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thanks what about pars fracture will it heal by time or not

[@happinessclass3952]

plz reply sir how can i take online consultation with you?

[@annmargarettecarreon3169]

Hi Doc. I have straightened cervical spine. C5, C6, C7 radiculopathy. I am not feeling any pain, however, the tingling sensation in my hands and feet are bothering me. Even though I am just lying down, they don't stop tingling. What should I do? Thank you.

[@loriortega9010]

I had this surgery in March 2022. I’m still numb in my neck and head on the right side. Im fused at c1-t3. I am a robot 😅

[@loriortega9010]

I also had right shoulder stiffness and inability to lift my arm overhead. Of course nothing is mentioned about c5 palsy to me. 😅

[@aliceroberts3917]

Hi Dr Su. I have lower back pain that I have been trying to resolve for a number of years without success and would like an online consultation with you. But I’m finding it very difficult to arrange through the website as I am in the UK, and messages I left didn’t get returned (maybe because I have a UK number?). Can you please advise how I can arrange a virtual appointment with you? Thank you !

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

The best way to do it is probably to just call our office and tell them that you are an international patient. They should be able to set that up for you. If you're still struggling let me know

[@aliceroberts3917]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Thanks for your response. I’ll call today and arrange. I will send them a copy of my MRI, is it possible for you to see this prior to the consultation ?

[@mjrule888]

I think using stiff rods with big pedicle screws are highly questionable. That may be the primary reason for causing pain and adjacent disc distress, especially when you turn your head up or down. I am surprised that after so many decades of using this technique there is no advance on improving it, especially with so many bad fusion results either short-term or long term. Using stiff rods with big screws greatly alters biomechanics of the cervical spine.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

There is the option of laminoplasty which is not a fusion

[@mjrule888]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy IMO laminoplasty is a better choice but still not very sound. I think disc replacement is very attractive and promising, only if done by the experienced and skilled surgeon. Before replacing the discs, the surgeon should do a good cleaning of those items causing spinal cord compression.

[@viulmamartinez965]

guc

[@user-gv4mm4fg3n]

You put me at ease! You have been honest. I look forward to my operation. Thank-you.❤

[@LouiseKriech]

how are you doing now? I have my surgery in 5 weeks