6 years Post OP ACDF - now with HO
In June 2020 I (now 43F) had C4-C7 ACDF with 80% improvement in symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness, reflexes). Only major complication was wound dehiscence - well, that and the only 80% resolution of symptoms.
May 2021 I had a cervical epidural and it got me to 100%. Yay!
September 2025 brought return of symptoms. I went back to my PT exercises and gabapentin. No change.
In March 2026 I got another epidural. No benefit at all. Another MRI was ordered and showed severe stenosis into C6-C7.
Finally saw the neurosurgeon this week and he said that since my last MRI (late 2020) I have developed small bone spurs at C2-C3 (which he isn’t worried about) and then significant heterotrophic ossification at C6-C7 intruding on the spinal column.
My main choices are:
- live with the symptoms (because they aren’t dangerous, just annoying) (I hate this option)
- Keep trying epidurals (even though the last one didn’t help and I hate the side effects of the steroids)
- surgery: either a repeated ACDF to clear out C6-C7 or posterior laminectomy to create more room.
Any advice or experience with this type of complication? I’m relatively young, very fit and active (Pilates instructor), and I’m devastated to be looking at another surgery that could put me out for 3-6 months. I had never even heard of HO before this. It seems like my fusion was an overachiever! I appreciate you all.
Oh, also, I am waiting for a second opinion from a neurosurgeon at a very large university hospital so that may factor things in too. I’m just looking for advice or reassurance or camaraderie!