Patient Information Resources


Alpine Physical Therapy
Three Locations
In North, South, and Downtown Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804
Ph: 406-251-2323
Fax: 406-251-2999
Info@AlpinePTmissoula.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

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I had my neck fused 12 years ago. At the time of the operation, I was told to expect another operation when the nearby levels start to break down too. So far, so good. I've gone this long without problems. Will I really need another operation?

A recent study from Belgium followed 180 patients for up to 15 years after cervical spine fusion. They found patients had disc degeneration at the levels above and below the fusion site as more and more time went by.

Although 92 percent had degenerative changes on X-ray, only six percent needed another operation. Reoperation is done only when there are clear signs of nerve pressure or spinal cord compression. Even then, patients usually must try other treatment before a second surgery is advised.


References:

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