Concerned w/post-op 6wk acdf x-ray

Concerned w/post-op 6wk acdf x-ray

Q:

Age: 42 Sex: F Concern: post-op x-ray

Hello Dr. Tran, yesterday I looked at my Neurosurgeon's computer screen showing my 6wk post-op x-ray.(I had C5-6,6-7 acdf with hip bone,) Understanding I have no training in reading x-rays....it seemed obvious to me though, that my 6-7 piece of hip bone was trying to escape it's new home. It looked to be bulging out a bit & pressing up against the metal plate. There was a shadow behind it which is why I could tell it wasn't all the way tucked in. C5-6 was tucked all the way back & not protruding at all. I pointed to it & asked my NS about it & he just said, "Oh that's OK. It's nothing to worry about." However, he sure was starring at it a long time. Question is: Does this sound normal & fine to you? My concerns are that it will put pressure on the plate & screws & especially that it will not be able to fuse? Thank you so much for donating your time to help calm patients. I hope to hear from you. JH

-- 6weeks post acdf

A:

It is hard to say. Unless I can see the xray, I just don't know. Things may resorp and change with time. Your best bet is to follow closely with your NS. I assume that he wants to see you again for another xray. Unless you have any significant neurologic sequelae, even if the bone is not in the right place, there is not much to do at this point but to hope for the best.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

to ask Dr. Tran.