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Spine surgery - corpectomy with cage

Posted , 5 users are following.

Bracken123
Bracken123

I previously created a discussion asking others experiences with spinal injections and surgery. I have severe narrowing between C5 and C6 with impingement on the nerve which has resulted in severe pain down my left arm.

On my first visit to a spinal specialist I was told I would require surgery in order to fix this problem, the option for injections was not discussed. My second visit after having a CT scan he has told me it's not a matter of if we need to do the surgery it is when.

He has booked me in for something called a corpectomy and a cage in place. Has anyone had any experience with this? I won't know much until my pre-op but was to know what the operation involves. Is it a big operation? Will I be in hospital long? How long until I can go back to work?

I have been told I will need to wear a collar for 3 months after the operation.

As you can probably tell i am still in a state of shock as I have just come back home after being told this. I feel I will get more comfort knowing what the operation is.

Thank you!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • jeanette43594
    jeanette43594 Bracken123

    Posted

    Hi bracken

    I have read 1 search for corpectomy surgry and disk removal with cage and plate to hold things in place they have had 90per cent pain free neck movement.I found a site on here if you type corpectomy surgery in on this page in the search bar at the side of this reply it will bring it up.But it depends what type you are getting as i am sure there is different types of corpectomy surgery.There again it depends on the person it might pay you to see what your spinal specialist has to say.The operation is where it removes portion of vertebra and adjacent intervertebral discs for decompression of the spinal cord and spinal nerves.I hope you find the site and you can see an operation (if you are not squeamish) but do not assume that is what they will be doing to you it is only a guide.Hope this is a small help i could go on but it is rather technical and let me know how you get onrolleyes and good luck

  • karen83119
    karen83119 Bracken123

    Posted

    Hello Bracken 123,

    I also had a Corpectomy two months ago (February 1, 2016) C4-5, C3-7 Anterior Cervical.

    Bone was replaced and a cage in place.  I was in surgery for approximately 4 hours and 5 days in the hospital.  

    I have been wearing a Vista Aspen collar and hoping to go to a soft collar soon.

    I no longer have pain in my shoulders and neck.  I do have occasional muscle spasms and use ice pack.  I'm feeling stronger everyday; I am retired and don't have to return to work.  

    How are you doing with your recovery?

  • steve36143
    steve36143 Bracken123

    Posted

    Hi,

    I joined a facebook group with over 600 members who are going through the same as us. Its called "Cervical myelopathy support group - all spine, joint and muscle conditions. Nearlly everyone in the group

    has had this surgery and can advise you. Did you have the surgery and how are you getting on?

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