Hoping for a safe way to remove backed out screw from ACDF without har

DAMN, that's messed up, so you basically have a loose screw from your surgery moving around in your neck? Why in the world would something like this happen? Was your procedure done through the back of your neck? Why didn't they go through your throat like they did in my 2 procedures in '16 and '18? I really hope they can resolve this for you safely without any complications.

thank you for you're very detailed and painful to read message...Im horrified and angry for you....and, perhaps myself as I, too have had posterior cervical spinal surgery, (c2-c6 or 7), 2019 due to spinal compression. The morning after surgery I could not hold a fork to eat by breakfast plus I had this strange uncomfortable feeling that felt like rushing water/fire down my arms and out my fingers. "Mylopathy", my surgeon said. So, I have been contending with the resulting whole body numbness but most especially my arms and hands.
Within the last few years I've noticed a minor twinge of pain in back of my neck so I saw another neurosurgeon to have an X-ray when he found that I had a loose screw from, what I call, my "cage". He did not want to proceed but did not indicate it could become that serious an issue. I feel the screw has moved as what used to be minor pain is now quite sudden and sharp pain in my left shoulder when I move my head to the right. I have hesitated to see a neurosurgeon again as I would not want another such surgery. Your posting has encouraged to see a neurosurgeon and I'll post about the outcome afterwards.

@mrmacabre They did go in from the front of my neck.

@v9h When your new neurosurgeon did the x-ray maybe the screw had not backed out completely at that time. It can’t hurt to have a CT or MRI to see where the screw is now. I’m glad my scary situation has encouraged you to get a new neurosurgeon and hopefully get answers.

@jos1 Geez, this is really messed up, I'd ask for a second opinion about what your options are. If it was me I'd want it removed if at all possible. After having 2 procedures that are very similar to yours performed on myself I can't even imagine something as reckless occurring afterwards. I think it almost borders on malpractice. I wish you luck.

This may help to explain some of the issue.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7359691/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10676178/
I also want to recommend that you either see a vascular surgeon or obtain reassurance from the operating surgeon that a vascular surgeon will be assisting in the procedure. If they are not needed they just don’t charge anything.

There are neurosurgeons who love the challenge of fixing problems such as yours located at the Mayo Clinic. Mine basically said he was one who had to figure out what the problem was and fix it. I had a different issue, but I went from being only able to walk with my hands on my knees to walking 2 mi a day. Plus, Mayo has multiple specialists who all communicate.