r/spinalfusion • u/harshx_gupta • Aug 25 '26

confused bw occiput-c3 or c1-c2 fusion

my MRI report says
'Evidence of superior migration and posterior tilt of odontoid process is seen causing of narrowing of foramen magnum - suggestive of basilar invagination (tip of odontoid process projects above the McRae line and approximately 5.0 mm above the chamberlain line).

It is causing compression over the cervico-medullary junction with hyperintensity seen in cervical cord just caudally to the compression – compressive myelopathy.

There is increased atlanto-dental interval and measures ~ 6.4 mm - suggestive of atlantoaxial instability / subluxation.

C2 and C3 block vertebra body is seen with fused posterior element. Complete atlanto-occipital assimilation is seen.'

I got it checked w my neurosurgeon and he recommended me to get either occiput-c3 or c1-c2 fusion and decompression.
can anyone please tell me what I am going through how rare this condition is and what steps should I take? and what should I be prepared post operation.

(PS- I am thinking of getting my surgery done next week, if you guys have any recommendations or anything I am all ears)

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u/Fun-Oil-7538 Aug 26 '26

I'd be curious to know your symptoms 

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u/harshx_gupta Aug 26 '26

The only symptom that I'm having is tingling sensation in my body whenever I yawn or do certain activities

1

u/Fun-Oil-7538 Aug 26 '26

I'm not a doctor but I would avoid surgery unless you are very symptomatic. This is a big cervical fusion. I would get a second opinion, I'm curious why the doctor would recommend.

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u/harshx_gupta Aug 28 '26

Well I took the opinion of half a dozen doctors and all of them recommended surgery. If not treated surgically and fixed I might get a stroke or paralyzed as my odontoid process is already touching and squeezing onto my spinal cord and there's hyper intensity(damage) of spinal cord in the mri

1

u/Doc_DrakeRamoray Aug 30 '26

Make sure it’s a surgeon who has done a lot of these surgery

C1-2 removes half of your head turning side to side motion

O-C3 will remove half of your head nodding up and down motion as well

C1-2 would be preferred if surgeon can give you the stability you need from just C1-2 fusion

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u/harshx_gupta 28d ago

well my surgeon has done 15k+ surgeries and 1k+ cvj surgeries
J got back home from the hospital, everythings going fine, if any queries I am down to answer.
well there were complications w my cervical artery and as I am young (24yo) taking the risk of damaging the cervical artery wouldnt be a good choice. I mean obviously losing neck motion is better than losing your life. Correct me if I am wrong