Dr. Anuj Gupta
Spine Surgery
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I have a C4 spinous process fracture with ligamentum flavum focal disruption at C4 and C5. I have been in a Miami J collar for seven weeks now and have had varying information regarding my problem from different doctors. Despite saying six weeks initially and having an X-ray showing good healing of the bone, I have been told another four weeks is needed to allow the ligamentum flavum to heal. Does it sound right? How bad is a ligamentum flavum injury? Will I likely recover in full with no ill effects? Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern. You have sent us MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)(attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity) report. Will it be possible for you to send MRI films because that will be more informative for me and help me answer your query better?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thanks for your reply. I have attached the link. I could not download so have have screen recorded as I scrolled through the images. I did not bother with the brain images. I forgot to mention only pain experienced is when yawning, as well as a little pain when sleeping on side as I often wake up in this position. The sleeping pain is isolated to right hand side of neck and is minor. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern. I have seen the video sent by you (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity). Thanks for sharing. There is an injury to your posterior ligamentous complex, which is considered an unstable injury. The ligaments and soft tissue take time to heal, and usually, in such cases, we try to manage operatively. In your case, I can tell you my course of action. Every doctor has a different line of treatment. I suggest you get a dynamic X-ray of the cervical spine under supervision, and if it is found to be unstable, I might suggest that you should get it operated on.
I hope this helps.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Spine Surgery
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
