Success Stories: Henry - Tumor Removal and Cervical spine Fusion

In 1980 and 2001, I had surgery to remove tumors from my spine. In 2004, I was suddenly in severe, constant pain. Simply getting out of bed each day required a heavy dose of hydrocodone. Unable to perform any task that required sustained attention, I had to rest often and was never comfortable. I was even having difficulty urinating. My quality of life was terrible.

At least this time I had an explanation for my symptoms. I learned that a rare and aggressive cancer, hemangiopericytoma, was causing the recurring tumors that were pressing on my nerves.

Since I had a great deal of scar tissue from my previous surgeries, my then-doctor recommended a non-invasive radiation treatment rather than surgery. I was hesitant about this new technology and sought another opinion. I was referred to Joseph Cheng, MD, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Dr. Cheng ordered X-rays, examined me and said he would be able to remove the tumor surgically, even with the extensive scar tissue.

In a 15-hour surgery, the tumor was removed and, because of the previous surgeries, vertebrae in my neck had to be fused and reinforced with pins and plates. I was in a hard body brace for seven weeks. After the removal of the brace, I underwent six weeks of radiation at a hospital near my home.

Unbelievably, I was able to suspend the pain medication immediately after surgery. Each day I became a little stronger and able to do more. Today, I am able to do most activities, including walking three miles a day, volunteering at a local high school and building wooden boats, which is my passion.

參考資料: www.knowyourback.org

It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your orthopedic doctors for diagnosis and treatment.

Cervical Fractures

The seven bones in the neck are the cervical vertebrae. They support the head and connect it to the shoulders and body.
Cervical fractures usually result from high-energy trauma, such as automobile crashes or falls. Athletes are also at risk. A cervical fracture can occur if:

• A football player "spears" an opponent with his head.
• An ice hockey player is struck from behind and rams into the boards.
• A gymnast misses the high bar during a release move and falls.
• A diver strikes the bottom of a shallow pool.

Any injury to the vertebrae can have serious consequences because the spinal cord, the central nervous system's connection between the brain and the body, runs through the center of the vertebrae. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or death. Injury to the spinal cord at the level of the cervical spine can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis of the entire body from the neck down.

In a trauma situation, the neck should be immobilized until x-rays are taken and reviewed by a physician. Emergency medical personnel will assume that an unconscious individual has a neck injury and respond accordingly. The victim may experience shock and either temporary or permanent paralysis.

Conscious patients with an acute neck injury will usually have severe neck pain. They may also have pain spreading from the neck to the shoulders or arms, resulting from the vertebra compressing a nerve. There may be some bruising and swelling at the back of the neck. The physician will perform a complete neurological examination to assess nerve function and may request additional radiographic studies, such as MRI or computed tomography (CT), to determine the extent of the injuries.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on which of the seven cervical vertebrae are damaged and the kind of fracture sustained. A minor compression fracture can be treated with a cervical brace worn for 6 to 8 weeks until the bone heals. A more complex or extensive fracture may require traction, surgery, and internal fixation, 2 to 3 months in a rigid cast, or a combination of these treatments.
Improvements in athletic equipment and rule changes have reduced the number of sports-related cervical fractures over the past 20 years. You can help protect yourself and your family if you:

• Always wear a seat belt when you are driving or a passenger in a car.
• Never dive in a shallow pool area, and be sure that young people are properly supervised when swimming and diving.
• Wear the proper protective equipment for your sport and follow all safety regulations, such as having a spotter and appropriate cushioning mats.

Reference: www.aaos.org

The above information serves as disease educational purpose, you should consult your orthopedic doctors for diagnosis and treatment.