Concerns About Titanium Plate and Screw Loosening After Cervical Surgery
Regarding the issue of cervical vertebral plate screw loosening? Hello, Director Zhang. I underwent laminoplasty in December of last year due to nerve compression at cervical levels 5, 6, and 7, along with OPLL. The surgeon performed a XXXX Door Laminoplasty on me. I currently ha...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is rare to hear about the screws and plates used in spinal osteotomy procedures becoming dislodged, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Concerns About Titanium Plate and Screw Loosening After Cervical Surgery
Two vs. Four Screws in Spinal Surgery: Which is More Secure?
Regarding vertebral body augmentation, are two screws or four screws more stable? Hello Director Lai, I am considering undergoing cervical laminoplasty, as I need mini screws and a plate for my C3 to C6 vertebrae. Given the critical nature of this procedure, I have reviewed numer...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical laminoplasty is performed after posterior decompression, followed by plate fixation, similar to an open book. A simplified schematic diagram can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFzvA4xkuhk. As for the number of screws used to secure the plate, it de...[Read More] Two vs. Four Screws in Spinal Surgery: Which is More Secure?
Managing Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical spine surgery sequelae? Hello Doctor, I have a herniated disc at the C5-C6 level, which has caused severe pain and numbness radiating from my left shoulder, back, arm, and fingers. After undergoing artificial disc replacement surgery, the symptoms on the left side were i...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
After surgery, the emergence of new symptoms usually indicates that there may be an issue in certain areas. It is advisable to discuss any subsequent treatment for your condition with the original surgeon, as other physicians typically do not intervene in such cases.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Understanding Left Foot and Spine Issues: Neurological Insights
Left foot and spine issues? Hello Doctor, last November, I felt a bit of soreness and weakness in my left foot's ring and little toes, so I sought medical attention. The doctor said that the nerve conduction study showed no abnormalities. However, in the past couple of days,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. If the angle of scoliosis is too large, it may lead to pelvic misalignment, hip joint dysfunction, and an unbalanced gait, which can subsequently cause abnormal movement in one leg. 2. Regarding the sensation of your left foot's ring and little toes feeling slightly sore...[Read More] Understanding Left Foot and Spine Issues: Neurological Insights
Managing Chronic Back Pain: Insights on Degenerative Spine Issues
Sharp pain and tingling in the left posterior mid-back? Hello, Doctor: I am a working professional with a habit of slouching, which often leads to shoulder and neck pain. I regularly receive chiropractic massages for relief, but I have been experiencing sharp and stabbing pain ne...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected that there may be a spinal issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. An X-ray or MRI assessment is advised. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Managing Chronic Back Pain: Insights on Degenerative Spine Issues
Understanding Chronic Buttock Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights
Persistent pain in the buttocks that prevents sitting, standing, or lying down? The patient has been experiencing severe pain in the buttocks (especially the right side) while sitting, standing, and lying down for a year. This pain began shortly after undergoing arthroscopic surg...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have already undergone multiple ineffective treatments from other physicians and it is considered a complex case, it is not possible to diagnose and arrange treatment based solely on a few written words. It is recommended to make an appointment and have the patie...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Buttock Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights
Understanding Nerve Issues in the Cervical Spine After Trauma
Cervical spine nerve issues? I would like to consult a physician. Recently, I had a conflict with a classmate that resulted in being hit. Prior to that, I had also been hit on the back. Each time, the hits were spaced out by one to two seconds, and the pain from the previous hit ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You have described so much, but without a physical examination, it is truly impossible to provide an answer. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for an evaluation. If you still have doubts, consider seeking opinions from several different physi...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Issues in the Cervical Spine After Trauma
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Postoperative issues following cervical disc replacement at C5-C6 and artificial cage placement at C6-C7? Hello, my father is 58 years old. A month ago, he started experiencing numbness and pain in his right arm, hand, and fingers, which has affected his daily life. After a docto...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After cervical spine surgery, if there are new upper limb symptoms that are not significant, you can observe and follow up in 2-4 weeks. 2. If there is sudden onset of lower back pain and pain in both knees while walking, these are not symptoms related to the cervical s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Understanding L5 Vertebral Dislocation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Liability
L5 vertebral spondylolysis Hello, Dr. Lai! Due to a collision between a child and a motorcycle, the other party was discharged from the emergency department the same day. They returned for follow-up visits twice within two months after the emergency visit, and the diagnosis repor...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. As you have researched, vertebral arch dislocation may have some congenital issues, and combined with postnatal activities such as exercise and heavy lifting, it may worsen. Sudden traumatic injuries can also exacerbate the condition. 2. Unless you can obtain the pa...[Read More] Understanding L5 Vertebral Dislocation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Liability
Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Remove Screws After Lumbar Fusion?
Postoperative lumbar spine surgery Hello Doctor: I underwent fusion surgery on my lumbar spine at L4, L5, and S1 in 2015, where 6 screws were implanted. The protruding parts at L4 and L5 were removed, and a spacer was placed at L5-S1. I still feel discomfort post-surgery. I have ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. If the implanted spacer has fused, the fixation screws may be considered for removal. 2. What you are feeling as a protrusion needs to be evaluated in person. It is advisable to consult an experienced spine neurosurgeon for an examination. 3. Can the spacer displace...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Remove Screws After Lumbar Fusion?
Post-Surgery Complications After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Patient's Experience
Postoperative Issues After Spinal Spondylolisthesis Surgery Three years ago, I underwent surgery on my lumbar spine at the L4-L5 levels. Currently, I need to wear compression stockings for support in order to walk. I also frequently experience urinary incontinence and require med...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Although you have worked hard to write a lot, I need more information for evaluation and reasoning. Since I cannot see the patient or the imaging directly, I can only suggest that you return for a follow-up appointment with the original surgeon to discuss your concerns. If...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Patient's Experience
Understanding Cervical Spine Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Cervical spine pain Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing significant pain at a specific point near my seventh cervical vertebra for the past couple of days. I would like to ask what might be the cause (could it be due to posture, etc.)? Do I need to seek medical attention? ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Pain points are often caused by muscle inflammation.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Navigating Hydrocephalus Treatment Options: Drainage vs. Shunt Surgery
Hydrocephalus Consultation My mother, who is 50 years old, has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus. One hospital suggested performing a lumbar puncture to drain fluid first, followed by a shunt placement, arguing that the pathway from the brain to the lumbar spine is obstructed, ma...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Patients have different conditions, and the management approaches vary accordingly. It is advisable to visit a medical center or consult multiple hospitals.[Read More] Navigating Hydrocephalus Treatment Options: Drainage vs. Shunt Surgery
Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery After Cervical Spine Surgery
Cervical conization surgery Hello, doctor. On April 2nd of this year, I experienced sudden dizziness and fainting for a few seconds after sleeping in a poor position in a car, due to congenital cervical spinal canal stenosis combined with bone spurs. I was diagnosed in China with...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a neurosurgeon after returning to Taipei and request an MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine to assess the status of nerve conduction. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery After Cervical Spine Surgery
Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Addressing Nerve Compression and Surgical Options
Questions regarding adjacent segments of the lumbar spine? Hello, Doctor: I have the following questions that I hope you can clarify: The patient is a 59-year-old female who underwent successful lumbar spine surgery at the L5 and S1 levels in 2012 (with interbody fusion and screw...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is important to determine if the compressed nerve root corresponds to the patient's symptoms. Generally, compression at the L4-5 segment affects the L5 nerve root, which typically presents as pain radiating from the buttock down to the lateral aspect of the calf...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Addressing Nerve Compression and Surgical Options
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Should You Remove Screws After One Year?
Postoperative pain and issues related to the removal of spinal screws? I would like to ask you, I underwent lumbar fusion surgery at L4, L5, and S1 last year, where two support devices and six screws were implanted. After the surgery, I have been experiencing persistent soreness ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If it has been 6 months post-surgery and you are still experiencing <postoperative soreness in the lower back>, it may indicate poor fusion or other segmental pathology. 2. I recommend that you first consult with your original surgeon; if there is no improvement, ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Should You Remove Screws After One Year?
Numbness in Left Thumb and Index Finger: Possible Causes and Relief Tips
Numbness in the left thumb and index finger? Initially, I thought the neck stiffness was nothing serious. After a week, the pain in my neck has decreased, but I am experiencing some numbness in my left thumb and index finger. When I massage my shoulders, the left shoulder feels l...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected to be a cervical spine issue, most commonly a cervical disc herniation that compresses the nerves. 2. Reduce the forward head posture. Temporarily wear a cervical collar. Apply heat to the shoulders and neck daily, and perform neck rehabilitation exercis...[Read More] Numbness in Left Thumb and Index Finger: Possible Causes and Relief Tips
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Herniated disc Hello Doctor, three years ago I had an MRI that showed a mild herniation of the intervertebral disc between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae, which caused some nerve discomfort in my right leg. However, I did not experience any recurrence until recently. In the pas...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that you have a herniated disc compressing the nerve, leading to recurrent symptoms. You should consult another neurosurgeon who has arranged for an MRI. Wishing you the best. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding CT Scan Results: Calcium Deposits and Teflon Concerns After Surgery
Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain? Hello, doctor. I underwent a decompression surgery for left-sided facial spasms at the end of 2016. At that time, the physician informed me that the surgical method involved creating an opening in the left posterior part of the brain an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, it is unlikely. 2. It depends on the actual imaging. 3. An MRI of the cervical spine should be performed to assess whether the symptoms are caused by cervical nerve compression. 4. Cerebral calcifications can be classified into physiological and pathological ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Calcium Deposits and Teflon Concerns After Surgery
Spinal Tumor Surgery in Children: Risks and Post-Operative Considerations
Spinal tumor surgery and subsequent issues with hardware (screws)? Hello Doctor, my child is currently 5 years and 7 months old. A spinal tumor was detected at birth, and initially, we were just monitoring it regularly. During this time, we learned that the tumor had grown into t...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Since the child is only 5 years old and there is no detailed medical history, this issue is too specialized and complex, falling under the scope of pediatric neurosurgery. It is recommended to consult a physician in an outpatient setting.[Read More] Spinal Tumor Surgery in Children: Risks and Post-Operative Considerations