neck fusion on C1-C2 in my spine?
I just turned 15. i had it about 1 year ago. The ligament in my neck had been shot and i could have been paralyzed. My doctor said that i should get 50% of motion of what a normal neck has. I have done better since the surgery such as back into light activities like running, biking, etc. Also i have no more neck pain. The only concern i have is how long it will take me to get that 50% back. I can only turn about 10% now and i'm starting physical therapy soon. I was wondering if it is normal for me to not be turning much and what are the chances of me getting 50% neck movement and what are the chances of me not getting any?
More Questions From This User See All
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
You'll get back a great deal of motion in flexion/extension (up down) and sidebending (ear to shoulder), but you will probably have significant limitations to rotation (left and right). In my experience, people who've had this surgery in the past, as best, have about 30 to 45 degree of rotation which is about 20-50% of normal...range of motion typically topped out after about 6 months to a year after removal of their halo and/or immobilizer.
Once you get into PT and have them measure it, you'll get a better idea of what you actually have and what you might realistically get back.
You are a very lucky person with the injury that you had. The fusion that took place is a life saving one. How much will return is just a guess at this stage. The scar tissue has to be stretched and some remodeling will have to take place. That is going to take months. Work with the physical therapist and if you have any questions ask them. It is better to get an answer than you having the fear of something that is unknown. The best one to answer all of these questions is going to be the surgeon. He or she was the only one that has been in there and knows exactly what was done and how the fusion was set up. Most of all be eternally thankful that the procedure was a success for the alternative is that you would not be here asking this question.
The chances are good-it can take up to 6yrs for nerves to heal though.Your bodies natural way of protecting the area is to keep it from moving.Especially if there is inflammation.Follow the explicit instructions given by your physical therapist because you have many yrs. left.You want your neck to heal properly.I had a hip replacement 4yrs.ago and the muscles had to be strengthened afterwards with excercises just dont overdo it
Can't be reversed.