Question

Neck xray   I have 'natural' neck fusion #as opposed to medically fused#.  This has greatly limited my range of motion and effected my posture, I'm unable to look straight while standing and walking.
Can this be surgically corrected or is it too dangerously close to my spinal cord?  I've also noticed on the X-rays the fusion seems to be continuing and may eventually involve my entire neck.  I believe I was told it's located at c6 and c7.  It actually looks like the bone has melted together like candle wax down a burning candle.  I have included my June 2011 X-rays. Also the bones the stick out in back of my neck are all out of whack can they be fixed?

Answer
Hi Kathryn,
Your condition is called hypertrophic ossification. There are a few other diagnostic causes that should be investigated requiring a specialist. Lab work work should include a test called HLA-B27.  This may or may not be surgical.  Provided there are no other complications you should seek as many surgical opinions as you can.  This condition can be addressed surgically however it is very risky and there are many differences of opinion as to the method of correcting the problem.  Disc replacement or fusion with plating may be the options discussed by the surgeon.  Let me know what procedure the neurosurgeon wants to perform or let me know even if they want delay any surgery.  
All the best,

Dr. True