Connect
Spinal Fusion C1 C2 C3
Mature Father has a fracture at C2 with Bone moved out of Alignment at Odontoid which occured from a fall . He is currently in a neck brace. Spine clinic leaned towards the thought of Odontoid Screw(s) to stabilize neck. Neurosurgeon in Panhandle recommending C1 C2 C3 fusion with risk of damage to carotid artery, spinal artery and possible paralysis with loss of movement of approximately half. When relative asked about placement of an odontoid screw was told that this could push bone back into spine causing death. Concerned because thought screw could be placed from the front minimizing risk to life and limb . Fearful at thought of such an extensive surgery and loss of life and movement. Has anyone here ever know of someone with an unstable fracture at the C2 and what was done to correct it? Should we get a second opinion?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
@randymor
I had a fracture at c2 and t2 had to be in a neck brace for six weeks. I had two titanium rods and seven screws to hold my spine together, I am now two and one half years later and still no issues.
Hope this helps.
Thank you for the response randymor. May I ask was your done from the front or back? Did they fuse your C2 to C1 or C3 or both? Did you lose any range of motion? Any headaches? Did Dr. scare you by talking about hitting arteries or causing paralysis or I wonder if all Neurosurgeon have to say that with this type of surgery. I'm terrified for him to have this surgery at this point. However, doing nothing is not an option because it's unstable. Thanks again for responding. Hugs
@rlmanx Reanna, Welcome to Connect. I am so sorry your father is in this situation with a serious injury. The doctors have to be honest about the risks he faces. My thoughts are to consult experts at Mayo for another opinion which can be done by transmitting records and imaging without moving your dad. He needs experts with expertise in that type of injury. Many spine surgeons don’t want to operate about C3 levels because of the risks you mentioned, and he needs the best of the best. I wasn’t sure if you may be in Florida when you mentioned “pan handle” and there is a Mayo Campus there. The largest group of Mayo surgeons with sub specialists is at the Rochester campus and patients arrive there by helicopter for surgery. With a difficult problem, he should be referred to the best. Hospitals do transfer patients when real expertise is required. Mayo also has a campus in Jacksonville FL. If you go on the Mayo clinic.org website, there is a page for doctors to refer patients, so that can give you a way to contact them. Since your post, there may already be a plan in place.
I know this must be very difficult to accept, and recovery afterwards will be challenging. He would be at risk of falling again and may have mobility issues if there has been spinal cord injury.
Are there any updates you wish to share?
Jennifer
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYes, I was just going to recommend a second opinion and then I read the mentors note , of course I agreed totally. I also have an issue in the same area which is causing pain, but they elected with me not to operate for mine . I did get a second opinion from the surgeon from John Hopkins, who just relocated to Naples, Florida, so I think your Father the mayo is definitely a great choice and he will be in the best hands. I am so sorry this has happened. I know how stressful these things are.