Question
My father is 78 and had a benign cervical spinal tumor removed (2.5 mths
ago) and now suffers from considerable weakness in his neck muscles, which
has not improved. MRI and Xrays show no obvious muscular impairment or
cervical vertebrae instability. His physician recommends a cervical vertebrae
titanium rod to stabilize his neck (not sure which vertebrae this would
encompass). My concerns are physical therapy was never prescribed so his
neck muscles have not been given the chance to strengthen. Also, the
titanium rod would seem to be a measure for a diagnosed vertebrae
abnormality.

Just curious whether this might be a reasonable course for him or whether I
should push harder that he receives additional opinions.

Answer
Hi Bruce-

Personally (and i'm not a doctor of course) i'd get another opinion. Especially if someone was recommending doing general anesthetic surgery on an older guy without having clearly stated the problem

And it's very true that even short term hospital stays or surgery on an area can totally weaken muscles- way faster than most people think. As an example, i got tired just chewing after 2 months of not eating (due to tubes down throat). After a month and half in ICU on my back, they tried to sit me up to 45 degree angle and i passed out cold. This was when i was 21, healthy, etc.

so- i think it's real possible that some physical therapy could help your dad. Make sure there's no condition with the bones first that could be worsened though- maybe talk to his doctor and ask why exactly he thinks the weakness requires fusion (rods are generally fused in with bone). Could be there is a reason. But as a general rule, ask every question you can think of and if you feel you or your dad aren't being paid attention to, or if things aren't explained, get a new doctor.

This is my opinion- as a patient, i mean. I'd check it out before jumping into surgery.
let me know if i can help further, and good luck to you both

leslie