3 Years ago I had a 2 level ACDF at C5-C7 with autograft performed at a top Northeast hospital.

Recently, my original symptoms started returning, the usual suspects - loss of fine motor control and weakness in my hands, pain bilaterally in the shoulders and elbows. So far the only surgeon I have seen were I live, San Francisco, has diagnosed me with incomplete fusions at C5 -C6 and C6 - C7. I also have the same issues that had initially prompted my first surgery, herniations, stenosis and Ligament thickening at C3 - C4 and C4- C5.

This surgeon is at a very good hospital but not one that specializes in Neuro/Ortho though their spine practice was involved with FDA testing and research on the artificial discs. His recommended repair and relieving my discomfort from the incomplete fusion is is to affix a Rod and plates via a posterior entrance.

I have 2 more doctors to see and a CT still to take. I am also considering contacting the Cleveland Clinic's on-line 2nd opinion program, anyone every use this practice?

Some of the questions I keep pondering, and feel free to throw out some thoughts are:
How do I make sure that the symptoms will stay away this time and if they don't, is my only remaining option to fuse C3 - C5? I am a young woman, 41 and up until four years ago relatively active, fusing the upper vertebrae will cause a sever restriction in the movement of my neck.
How what are the chances this fix at C5 - C7 will really work?
I can't be alone in this quandary, someone else has to have gone through these same issues?
Can't they re-open my first operation site and add some growth hormones or growth matrix?

I would appreciate some insight. Thank you