Cervical fusion

Posted by judyj56 @judyj56, Jan 15, 2024

I had an anterior/posterior 12hr cervical fusion from C3 to T3. It took 3hrs to take the previous fusion out. I ended up with a CSF leak and was in the hospital for 10 days. Any one else have this experience and how long did it take to get back to normal.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Jan 17, 2024

@judyj56 Hi Judy. I wanted to share this discussion with you where there are spine patients talking about CSF leaks. You may be able to connect with those members .

Spine Health - Spinal CSF leaks
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-csf-leaks/

judyj56 | @judyj56 | Jan 23, 2024

Does anyone know how long it take heal from an anterior/posterior fusion from C3 to T3?

Phil, Alumni Mentor | @upstatephil | Jan 24, 2024

In reply to @judyj56 "Does anyone know how long it take heal from an anterior/posterior fusion from C3 to T3?" + (show)

I didn't have that exact surgery but I did have a 4-level discectomy and fusion 11 months ago.

I don't believe there's an exact answer to your question. Even though I know you'd like one! Bone growth is slow and I was told to expect 9-12 months before I felt "like myself". For me - it was less than nine months (maybe six?) and today I have zero pain and discomfort. Certainly I lost some range of motion due to the fusion but that was expected and normal.

I also came to appreciate there was nothing I could do to shorten the bone-growth time table. I tried but to no avail.

I am very happy I had the 4-level surgery which was done at the best facility with the best neurosurgeon. Good luck!