Hello,
It sounds like the first two fusions were done with a bone autograft (using your own bone from the pelvic area to fuse the neck segment together).
Using screws and plates to stabilize the vertebrae is sometimes done when the previous method has failed (the bone fusion fails and allowing too much movement of the vertebral segment and thus more
pain, numbness, and weakness).
It is important to note that spinal fusion or decompression does not guarantee decreased spine
pain but the expectation should be to eliminate limb symptoms (weakness,
pain, numbness, tingling, loss of reflexes).
It is also important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with the surgeon before making your decision to have the surgery.
Good questions to ask the surgeon:
Will the hardware remain in my neck?
What could go wrong with the procedure?
How do you prevent this?
What result should I expect?
How long will my recovery be?
How long should the fusion last?
Will I need a neck brace?
Will I need therapy?
How many surgeries like this have you done and how have the outcomes been?
Keep us posted and take care.
