Experienced a screw loosening after a cervical fusion? Options?

@jenniferhunter thanks for your help with this issue. I discussed it with my surgeon and he said it was an option that could be done, but because of mine needing three levels he recommended going ahead with his plan. He will do an anterior, removing all screws and bracket, then turn me over and do the posterior fusion from c3-c7 with bracket and screws, it will be strong, with no worries about it coming loose.
They are sending the metal screws back to the manufacturer so they can determine if there was a defect in anything. I feel it’s my soft bones.
I’m going in for surgery tomorrow (9/29/25), I’ll check in and update for anyone who may be going through similar surgery.
They expect me to be in hospital for 2-3 days. I am thankful for this forum, for its help with questions about our health!

@jenniferhunter thanks for your help with this issue. I discussed it with my surgeon and he said it was an option that could be done, but because of mine needing three levels he recommended going ahead with his plan. He will do an anterior, removing all screws and bracket, then turn me over and do the posterior fusion from c3-c7 with bracket and screws, it will be strong, with no worries about it coming loose.
They are sending the metal screws back to the manufacturer so they can determine if there was a defect in anything. I feel it’s my soft bones.
I’m going in for surgery tomorrow (9/29/25), I’ll check in and update for anyone who may be going through similar surgery.
They expect me to be in hospital for 2-3 days. I am thankful for this forum, for its help with questions about our health!

Hi Jennifer, home from hospital yesterday after surgery on Monday, September 29th. Posterior fusion from c-3-c7. They removed all screws and plate with anterior surgery first, then flipped me over and did posterior fusion, same 3 levels. Stronger screws this time. He left in the titanium spacers from original surgery July 29th.
This was much more difficult than the first time, obviously. Going through the muscles, ouch. I woke up in severe pain, but after 48 hours I was able to bear it. I had steroids down under my long allergies list, we discussed it and decided it was more of side effects than anything so he started me on iv steroids. It helped me immensely.
I was finally able to walk the hall on day 4 and was discharged. My pain is still severe when I get up and move about, no kidding. But it’s better, here on Friday.
They are telling me my screws are secure this time.
It sounds like there may be equipment failure, as mine isn’t the first time this happened. Ever since the pandemic there have been many changes with the supply companies, so that’s being looked at.
If anyone else is experiencing this issue, please discuss with your surgeon. I wish I could have left them in, I was healing very well. It wasn’t an option as the screw was pointed at my airway and esophagus. All the best, I’ll let you know how recovery goes!
I’m starting with home health care soon, OT, PT.

@jenniferhunter thanks for your help with this issue. I discussed it with my surgeon and he said it was an option that could be done, but because of mine needing three levels he recommended going ahead with his plan. He will do an anterior, removing all screws and bracket, then turn me over and do the posterior fusion from c3-c7 with bracket and screws, it will be strong, with no worries about it coming loose.
They are sending the metal screws back to the manufacturer so they can determine if there was a defect in anything. I feel it’s my soft bones.
I’m going in for surgery tomorrow (9/29/25), I’ll check in and update for anyone who may be going through similar surgery.
They expect me to be in hospital for 2-3 days. I am thankful for this forum, for its help with questions about our health!

@ga29 my prayers and thoughts of you healing well

@leslie77
Thank you for your prayers. Update for anyone else who has experienced this issue. It’s been one year since my first cervical fusion from the front on C4-7, which had a hardware failure of loosened screw which was pointed at my airway. My surgeon removed the hardware, flipped me over and did a posterior fusion on same levels.
It was a painful recovery, mainly my shoulders.
Here I am today doing much better. I have some stiffness and arthritis in my neck but overall, the fusion has resolved my pain and I am happy I did it.
Many thanks to all of you who helped me with your comments about your surgery, it really means so much to those who are struggling with the decision to have surgery or not.

@leslie77
Thank you for your prayers. Update for anyone else who has experienced this issue. It’s been one year since my first cervical fusion from the front on C4-7, which had a hardware failure of loosened screw which was pointed at my airway. My surgeon removed the hardware, flipped me over and did a posterior fusion on same levels.
It was a painful recovery, mainly my shoulders.
Here I am today doing much better. I have some stiffness and arthritis in my neck but overall, the fusion has resolved my pain and I am happy I did it.
Many thanks to all of you who helped me with your comments about your surgery, it really means so much to those who are struggling with the decision to have surgery or not.

@ga29 I am glad to hear you are doing well and the surgery helped your pain. I am also glad I had my cervical fusion. Sharing your story here helps a lot of people who are navigating a spine condition. It was nice to see you here in the community.