HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Neck Surgery For Ruptured Disk

My mother had neck surgery two years ago because she had two ruptured disk in her neck. Since then, the swelling has got four to five times worse than it was before the first surgery and it is moving closer to her spine. The doctor knows he made a huge mistake and wants her to have another surgery. With the extensive research I have been conducting I have come to the conclusion that there is a high chance of her becoming paralyzed or not making it out of the operation room. I need to know if I am correct and, if so, what the chances are.

Wed, 29 Dec 2010
Report Abuse
Orthopaedic Surgeon 's  Response
Need more information.
You said 'swelling is grown 4 times larger' Is this a disc bulge or a different swelling in the neck.

What was the indication for the first surgery? Is it neurological deficit or a persistent radiculopathy ( PAIN RADIATING TO ARMS)? Not all the disc prolapses need surgery.

You are right there. second operation on a scarred area of the spine due to previous surgery is not easy. Rates of complications are high.
If she has a significant nerve deficit or intractable pain radiating to arm then only she needs re-surgery. Avoid if possible.
Disc surgeries are not preventive operations and hence should not be done for hypothetical possibility of neurological deterioration in the future.


I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

  Anonymous's Response
Anonymous's  Response

you are absouletely wrong on the first issue that doctor has made a huge mistake by doing the surgery. it is easy for everybody to blame the doctors for no reason first you should know the natural course of the disease. it is a disc prolapse, first surgery was done probably to relieve the symptoms at that time. it doesent mean that the disc at the different region of the spine or the adjacent disc is also protected from bulging by the first surgery.  yes if decompression surgery is not attempted than the bulging might cause paralysis. also this present surgery is to cure the present problem and it will not prevent the further disc bulging at different region of the spine

Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Harish's  Response
Definitely, I agree with the answer and the advice. Your mother need to undergo surgery to prevent neurological deterioration. It is quite common to have multiple level degenerative disc disease
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Intractable pain


Loading Online Doctors....
Neck Surgery For Ruptured Disk

Need more information. You said swelling is grown 4 times larger Is this a disc bulge or a different swelling in the neck. What was the indication for the first surgery? Is it neurological deficit or a persistent radiculopathy ( PAIN RADIATING TO ARMS)? Not all the disc prolapses need surgery. You are right there. second operation on a scarred area of the spine due to previous surgery is not easy. Rates of complications are high. If she has a significant nerve deficit or intractable pain radiating to arm then only she needs re-surgery. Avoid if possible. Disc surgeries are not preventive operations and hence should not be done for hypothetical possibility of neurological deterioration in the future.