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Swallowing issues post ACDF surgery tilting fusion plate

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Chronic Pain
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MREWT
New Member
Joined : Jan 2023
Posts : 3
Posted 1/20/2023 12:32 PM (GMT -8)
I had ACDF surgery two months ago and am still having swallowing issues. The six week post op x-ray shows that the plate is separated from the C4 vertebral body by approximately 8 mm and the anterior disc hardware projects anterior to the C4 vertebral body by approximately 6 mm. I'm wondering if this anterior tilt of the plate is the reason for my swallowing issues, or is this something that will resolve itself over time? Most images I see of others ADCF plate usually have the plate flush with both vertebrae. Was my surgery a botched surgery? Will my throat get accustomed to the protruding plate or might I need to get the surgery redone?
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 19339
Posted 1/20/2023 3:35 PM (GMT -8)
Hello, what did your surgeon tell you after seeing the x-ray? Has your swallowing issues gotten worse or stayed the same? Sorry for the questions, just trying to get better idea.
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MREWT
New Member
Joined : Jan 2023
Posts : 3
Posted 1/24/2023 3:23 PM (GMT -8)
My surgeon is ordering a CT scan to see if any of the screws backed out. He didn't seem bothered by tilt of the titanium plate, saying if it wasn't for my swallowing problem, he wouldn't even order the CT scan. As for the swallowing, for the first 5 weeks, it didn't improve much. On the 5th week, while swallowing, there was a tearing sensation, not terribly painful, but it felt like an adhesion separating or as if some tissue was hanging up on the a screw or the plate. Wish I was able to upload the photo of the x-ray for review.
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 19339
Posted 1/25/2023 8:05 AM (GMT -8)
Ask for a referral to an ENT for a consultation. If the surgeon refuses to do it, ask your pcp to make the referral.
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SCwyn
New Member
Joined : Feb 2023
Posts : 7
Posted 2/15/2023 7:26 AM (GMT -8)
MREWT,
I’m just a newbie here; I’ve been lurking for the past week or so.
Aside from knowing what condition you came to need ADCF, perhaps having another Doctor go over your pre & post surgery images would be an option. I was fused from the front at C3-C4 and my hardware appears to fit well. My injury was not a catastrophic event, though.
I had a sore throat for a couple days after and never had another problem with it. (I do have other unrelated issues that I will share another time.)
Unfortunately, we’re expected to jump through “the hoops” when we’re least prepared to do so. Please continue to be your own best advocate.
This group of folks will give you the confidence to do that.
I’ve noticed Straydog answers most posts and gives spot-on advice…
I feel we’re in the right place to heal smart here.

Kindest regards,
S.
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oceanfisher58
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2017
Posts : 399
Posted 2/20/2023 8:42 AM (GMT -8)
Hi All,

I had a bit of trouble swallowing for quite a while after surgery. Being your own advocate is really great advice. You know your own body better than anyone. Also I have noticed when questioning drs they will disavow any problem as not being their fault.

Best of luck going forward
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