Cervical vertebrae: Surgery after racing bike accident - Is it possible to ride a racing bike with stiffened cervical vertebrae?

Question from Christoph H.: A few weeks ago I had a racing bike accident in which I dislocated the cervical vertebrae C6/C7. As a result, the vertebrae were stiffened by an operation (spondylodesis). I still feel a tingling sensation in my hands, which should go away after a while. Will I be able to ride a racing bike again once the implant has ossified with the cervical spine?

Answer from Dr Christian Merkl: Dislocation fractures of the lower cervical spine (vertebrae C3 to C7) are serious injuries that can often result in neurological deficits or even complete paraplegia. You seem to have been extremely lucky if only tingling paraesthesia remains in your hands. Generally speaking, it can take up to one and a half to two years for such neurological symptoms to disappear. Surgical treatment with fusion of the vertebrae, as in your case, should have healed well after three months and should have turned into a stable bony superstructure after six months. It should be possible to cycle again from this point onwards.

Spondylodesis - i.e. the fusion of two vertebral bodies following a fracture injury in the lower cervical spine - inevitably results in the spine being less mobile. Lateral bending, rotation and, in particular, back bending are often restricted by up to 50 per cent. This often leads to overloading of the neighbouring segments, resulting in increasing wear and tear. I therefore recommend a more upright, less aerodynamic road bike position: shorten the stem and position the handlebars above saddle level. This relieves pressure on the cervical spine. Otherwise, you should start your new racing bike phase in a risk-conscious manner, as a new injury would certainly be very problematic. This applies in particular to group rides, long descents or even wet road conditions. Be sure to check your tyres and brake systems carefully and regularly.