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C7 right pedicular screw protrudes 7 mm into soft tissues

Posted by ga29 @ga29, Sep 13 5:00am

Has anyone experienced a screw loosening after a cervical fusion ? What options are there? My six week Xray was done last Thursday. It shows the right screw on C7 protrudes 7 mm into “overlying soft tissues”. I looked at the images and it doesn’t appear to intrude into my esophagus yet. I also checked the images done right after my surgery, they show the screw is tightly in its rightful position. Thank you for your help. I see the PA on Monday, so hopefully I will get some answers. I do have osteopenia, and my scans done two years ago showed osteoporosis but vitamins have helped improve it.

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awood9 | @awood9 | Sep 30 9:02am
In reply to @ga29 "@jenniferhunter thanks for your help with this issue. I discussed it with my surgeon and he..." + (show)
Profile picture for ga29 @ga29

@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!

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@ga29 Hope everything goes well with your surgery. Will be uncomfortable for a good 2 weeks. Just push through. Rooting for you.

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sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Sep 30 10:05pm
In reply to @ga29 "@jenniferhunter thanks for your help with this issue. I discussed it with my surgeon and he..." + (show)
Profile picture for ga29 @ga29

@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!

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@ga29
Please let us know how you are doing when you feel up to it.
Prayers and best wishes, Sherry

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ga29 | @ga29 | Oct 3 9:35am

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.

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sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Oct 4 9:05am
In reply to @ga29 "Hi Jennifer, home from hospital yesterday after surgery on Monday, September 29th. Posterior fusion from c-3-c7...." + (show)
Profile picture for ga29 @ga29

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.

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@ga29
I’m glad to hear your surgery was a success and that you aren’t dealing with the scary situation of screws pointing at the wrong things in your neck!!
Prayers and wishing you quick healing! Sherry

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ga29 | @ga29 | Oct 4 9:45am

Oh thanks, I am too.
Every day it’s a little less painful, I hope it continues.
It’s too early to know if the surgery for pain relief in general was successful. I want to be more active and enjoy life again, not just putter around in the morning and then go lie down.
I wasn’t even able to walk much anymore. I will let you know how that goes.
Wishing us all good health, may the good Lord bless us.

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