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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Joints Pain Post Cervical Discectomy With Fusion?

I recently had a cervical disectomy with fusion. I subsequently began to develop pain in the joints throughout my body, particularily in my shoulders, upper arms, wrists, and knees extending to my ankles. I also have swollen and painfil fingers in both hands. My neurosurgeon does not believe this joint pain is related to the surgery. I was also advised that surgery could spark other dorment problems, like arthritic pain in my knees, carpel tunnel syndrome, etc. However I find it a bit of a coincidence to have all of these different problems flare up all of a sudden. Is there one condition that explains all of these symptoms?
posted on Sun, 18 Sep 2016
Twitter Sun, 9 Jun 2019 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 10 Jun 2019 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Noted your history of getting operated: cervical discectomy with fusion, development of pains in different small and large joints.
Yes it is true that this sort of sugery can not cause joint pains as mentioned by you.
This is called polyarthralgia.
The cause has to be found out by relevant blood tests like RA factor, uric acid and all other causes including Rheumatologist's opinion.
You may need X-rays or MRI of large joints as it can tell us about internal affection.
The treatment will obviously depend upon the condition diagnosed, symptomatic and supportive management as needed.
May need physiotherapy as the muscles would start wasting if the problem continues and is untreated as these restrict the movements of the muscles and thus cause atrophy.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, ENT & General Surgeon
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What Causes Joints Pain Post Cervical Discectomy With Fusion?

Hi, Noted your history of getting operated: cervical discectomy with fusion, development of pains in different small and large joints. Yes it is true that this sort of sugery can not cause joint pains as mentioned by you. This is called polyarthralgia. The cause has to be found out by relevant blood tests like RA factor, uric acid and all other causes including Rheumatologist s opinion. You may need X-rays or MRI of large joints as it can tell us about internal affection. The treatment will obviously depend upon the condition diagnosed, symptomatic and supportive management as needed. May need physiotherapy as the muscles would start wasting if the problem continues and is untreated as these restrict the movements of the muscles and thus cause atrophy. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T Chandrakant, ENT & General Surgeon