Spinal Fusion C1 C2 C3. Anyone: Unstable fracture @C2? What was done?

@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

Yes, 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.

So I am getting mine spinal fusion from c1-c3. I was just wondering if and anyone has tipped bits of getting yourself home and to get comfortable and things like that. It will help others to know what to expect from this surgery. I am going to be driving to Rochester for the surgery and driving back after a week. I just needed to what to pack and stuff like that. It about 5 hours in the car from Chicago suburbs. And been up there 4 times since I had more pain than usual. Even to work.

@aidesarah
Do you have someone driving you there and back? After this surgery, you usually cannot drive yourself for at least 2 weeks while on pain medications and if you are wearing a neck brace (cannot turn your head to check mirrors and behind you easily).

I had c5-c6 fused and now need c6-c7 fused in May. They will be taking out old hardware and putting in new to fuse/secure c5-c7 together. My surgeon told me it can take a full 3 months to fuse and another 3 months to full feel the benefits of surgery in reducing symptoms.

While at home, set up bed with lots of support pillows and everything you think you will need day to day next to your bed. Have grabbers and shower setup for when you are able to shower/bath with grab bars and non-slip mats. Pay all bills in advance for several weeks, stock up on regular medications/food/household supplies in advance and get help with any pets.

You won’t be able to lift heavy things for some time so move what you need to before surgery or get help afterwards. Make sure to stop any medications or supplements needed before surgery (as advised by your surgeon/doctors), eat healthy leading up to surgery and stay well hydrated. Do some meal/food preparation prior to surgery to make meals easier once home.

I am having mine dad driving me up there. Insurance just gave us the hotel we’re staying at. Homewood. It has a mini kitchen with it.

@aidesarah Welcome to Connect. I have made the same drive to Mayo from the Chicago suburbs for spine surgery. Have shoes you can slip into easily. You can put elastic shoelaces into gym shoes. You won't be able to bend your neck to look down at your feet. Have loose clothing and perhaps a shirt with buttons that doesn't need to pull over your head in a neck brace. Have extra pillows for the car ride so you can try to be comfortable and rest. You may want some fillable ice packs to help with pain. Pack light. You won't be able to lift much at all. You may want some throat lozenges because the front approach will cause throat pain. Have food that is easy to eat like apple sauce and easy to swallow. Ice cream may help a sore throat. Drink lots of water. The anesthesia and pain drugs cause constipation, so do your best to stay ahead of that. I had bandanas to fold and put under my chin in the neck brace so I could have clean fresh cloth there. The padding on the neck brace will need to be washed frequently. Make sure to walk to avoid blood clots and use the breathing exercise device to avoid getting a respiratory infection after surgery.

Thank you for that.

Follow instructions carefully, I had C2 to C7 done and wore a Miami J collar for 3 months. Good Luck!