Has anyone had C5-C7 fused and then had hardware removed?

I've have fusion procedures done at the C5-C6 level, and 18 months later at the C7-T1 level. When the surgeon did the second one he removed the plate and screws from the first surgery because the joint was completely fused and was no longer necessary. I still have the plate and screws from the second surgery in my neck with no complications, and it's been 8 years.
I don't think removing the hardware will make a difference, unless it wasn't aligned properly?

I have the same areas of pain after c5-c6 single level fusion. I have wondered if they can take out the hardware as I feel its causing problems. I have advanced arthrosis of the facet c7-t1 now and huge anterior osteophytes above the fusion plate. The pain drives me nuts and haven't found relief yet. THC/CBD creams help a little. Hot tubs, stretching the best i can help as well. I feel for you. Hopefully it'll get better for you soon.

I have spinal fusions between C5 and C7 with titanium disc replacements which are now fused to the vertebrae. How do you know that the hardware is the issue. Have you returned to the surgeon?
My best to you.

My Primary Dr thinks my body is trying to get fight the hardware. My lymph nodes keep going crazy and I have all kinds of weird stuff going on with no explanation. It all started after the surgery. I did have a deep cycle battery explode in my face around the same time all the symptoms started but the Drs assure me its not from the battery so I have no idea. I didnt have advanced arthrosis c7-t1 prior to the fusion and now its pretty bad they said. I have an MRI scheduled for mid July and an appointment to see a different neurosurgeon. We shall see. I just want my life back.

Hello all!
I have had 2 cervical neck surgeries, one in 2008 and one in 2018, the last one adding additional hardware. I am not looking at a third in which all previous hardware will be replaced with a longer single piece of hardware stabilizing into the t1 area. A few jolting falls have caused my issues. But I digress —- after the mobility of the spinal column changes and adding insult to injury after a surgery, your body tends to “guard” the injured area which can cause strain on those muscles that guard. I had a similar situation with the neck, shoulder, scapula. I found a good myofascial release therapist that solved the issue in a couple of focused sessions that allowed for movement of some of the scar tissue. It was a true lifesaver as far as the pain was going. As soon as I am able after this next neck surgery, I am planning to continue the MFR to try and minimize the pain as the scar tissue begins to build with this one. I might encourage others who are experiencing this pain to try it as well. Our bodies are phenomenal - they have all kinds of protective mechanisms and we just have to find the right solutions to make their work more amenable to our usual function and activities. Best of luck to all. I’m praying for a steady surgical hand, a good outcome with tolerable pain and a not-so-lengthy recovery on this next surgery (July 22nd)! PS - I love reading everyone’s posts - so many have helped me by getting me thinking and researching more in depth. I think all of life’s experiences should be learning ones!