HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Broken Facet Joint

default
Posted on Mon, 9 Nov 2015
Question: Hi I broke my C5 superior facet joint in may, there has been a little healing but has shown no improvement from August. My neurosurgeon is not very helpful in telling me the plan of action, he wants me to try flexion and extention xrays when I see him next week but I have previously not been able to do this due to pain around the fracture sight. Is the next case surgery? Also what kind of sugery if it is?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Do a CT

Detailed Answer:
He needs the x rays to differentiate between the non union and muscular complications of fractures.
You can assume by doing the x ray he is trying to decide the further plan of treatment that cannot be decided without the x rays.
Surgery is a possibility that has to be considered.
The option of cementing can be tried.

If you are unable to do the x ray request for a CT scan of the spine.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (7 hours later)
I was unable to do Xrays so CT was requested last time, what would happen if CT still showed Non-Union?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Options are surgery based

Detailed Answer:
There are options.
We can go for resurgery with bone graft.
Or as I said previously, cementing.
Screws and plateS are another option.
But yes most options are surgery based.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Broken Facet Joint

Brief Answer: Do a CT Detailed Answer: He needs the x rays to differentiate between the non union and muscular complications of fractures. You can assume by doing the x ray he is trying to decide the further plan of treatment that cannot be decided without the x rays. Surgery is a possibility that has to be considered. The option of cementing can be tried. If you are unable to do the x ray request for a CT scan of the spine. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.