Can Cervical Fusion Be Done At C-5 To C-7 Level?

Posted on Mon, 29 Dec 2014

Question: I would like to know if a cervical fusion can be done at the c-5 to c-7 level
while leaving artificial disc eplacements intact at the same surgical level without removing them, Or must the discs be removed in order to do the fusion ? Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No it is not possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Cervical fusion can not be achieved if artificial disc stays there. As fusion means union of the bone and disc will not allow union to occur. So for fusion, disc has to be removed and than fusion is done using bone graft at the vacant space of disc.
Some time there is also need to place screws and plate in the bone.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 minutes later)

What are the issues that can arise if the Replacments are Left in ? And The fusioin is done. ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fusion will not be successful

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If disc is not removed than fusion can not be done, If it done than it is not going to succeed.
thanks.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar