What Do These Following X-ray Findings Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 27 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 Answered on

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a fusion in 2006_and in 2013 had a fusion in same area because the Dr. Of the second fusion told me the first fusion was a unsuccessful one and that he could fix it and remove bonespur. So can you look over my x-rays and give me your opinion on my fusions and bone spurs. After second surgery I am worse then before the second surgery. He also told me the bonespur was causing majority of my pain.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fusion at C5-6, bone spur at C4.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

I have examined x-rays images you uploaded too.

There is a fusion with hardware in C5-6, both, in anterior and posterior part.

There is a bone spur at the anterior part of the C4, or above the fused level.

There was a fusion only anterior at C5-6.

These types of fusions are necessary to decompress nerves and spinal cord, to stop and improve any neurological deficit and to achieve stability (if there was instability).

The bone spur at C4 is not related to any nervous structure compression, it may cause pain only locally (neck pain).

If the fusion was done to treat pain related to bone spur, it was not successful, if neurological problems such instabilities or spondylolysthesis, then that level (C5-6) seems to be stabilized.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

Was it stable after first fusion

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No instabilities are seen on the x-rays.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

There is no spondylolysthesis noted on x-rays, but instability is better evaluated by dynamic x-rays (flexed and extended neck position).

X-rays uploaded are all showing only the neutral neck position.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (18 hours later)

I would like to upload my disks I have of my neck I'm on a tablet so I'll need to go to a desk top computer to do so. Would you be able to give me a expert opinion of them through out the years? Do you have a email address I can contact you with? I'm needing your assistances as a expert opinion as a neurologist surgeon? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I can give you my opinion.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Upload the discs contents using google drive and post the link here.

My email address is: YYYY@YYYY

Awaiting....

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj