Is the "Zipper effect" real?

Is the "Zipper effect" real?

Q:

Age: 28 Sex: F Concern: Surgery

Dr. Tran, I am surgically fused from C1-C3, and have been for 16 years. For the past few months I have been having tightness in my throat, neck and shoulders. It is nothing like I have ever experienced. It was really bad initially and has slowly become better after physical therapy, but the tightness has not really gone away. I have recently been seeing a doctor that specializes in spinal problems/ injuries. I have had x-rays, bone scans, and a CT and my doctor has basically said that I have some "extra movement" in the vertebrae below my fusion site during flexion and extension, and that this is probably why I have tightness. He has told me that it is common for people that have had cervical fusions to continually need to have surgery to fuse lower vertebrea to fix this problem, because of the wear and tear due to the fusion. He has called this the "zipper effect". Is this for real or should I be looking for another doctor's opinion? I am scheduled to see a surgeon soon, but am terrif! ied of another surgery. What questions should I be asking to be sure that I am getting the best care from qualified doctors? Thanks for your time- D.M

-- D.M

A:

I have not heard of the "zipper effect". However, fusion predisposes the disc above and below to degeneration and often requires further fusion of those level.

If you have any doubts about your surgeon, obtain a second opinion.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

to ask Dr. Tran.