
Originally Posted by
osumike
Linda, thanks for that. I read that info before I posted, but I just couldn't picture it. When my surgeon and I talked about the VCR procedure, he didn't mention using a cage or anything. He said he'd do the removal, then get my spine into position from there, and joining the upper and lower vertebral bodies themselves. Just to make sure I understood that correctly, I asked if that meant I'd lose height, and he said yes. So let's say two VCR's are done, I'm guessing that'd be at least two inches lost. I'd think I would start to look way out of proportion at that point, right?
I think you might notice it, but I doubt anyone else will. There's incredible variation in trunk lengths in humans, so you could still be in the normal range. If he's doing 2 VCRs without cages or spacers, you'll probably lose about 3", assuming that you still have some discs at those levels. If you don't have discs, then 2" is probably about right.
--Linda
Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
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Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation