Meeting To Schedule Surgery This Week -- Input Please
 

I have 15+ years of neck issues that have progressively worsened to the point that NS now says I am a surgical candidate. I have good sized central/paracentral herniation at C5-C6 with cord compression and bilateral foraminal stenosis, also some cord flattening and stenosis at C4-C5. My low back has also started giving me problems, with spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, foraminal narrowing, etc., but no obvious disk herniation. NS says to do PT etc. for low back right now, as some of my symptoms (deadness in the leg, etc.) my also be tied into the cord compression in the neck.

I am meeting with NS to discuss surgery this week, and would like input on questions to ask, things to note. I have the option of having a straight ACDF at C4-5 and C5-6, or doing a clinical trial of artificial disc implants at these levels using the Low Profile Artificial Cervical disc. Based upon my research, I am leaning toward the clinical trial, as the prospect for increased motion is very attractive. As it is a double blind random study, I could still get randomized into an ACDF instead of the implant.

Anybody else participate in this study yet? What is recovery time like? Any tips, questions, ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

Jeff

I'd not do the clinical trial of the artificial disks. Go with something tried and true, simple. Do NOT get the disks. I've had my neck done with no problems, also with cord compression, though I had cord findings. I have full range of motion---there is nothing you'd notice at all from one level of fusion. Even two would not change your life, if you had to have it. Get some more opinions on whether you really need fusion, but by all means, if you've got central herniation with cord compression, get the thing done.

You will be happier and safer. But I think it's a good philosophy to stay away from anything artificial being put into the body before there have been years of clinical studies, POST release. Also, people do quite well without implants.

I did.

You'll feel much better when the neck is done.. That's for sure. Do not put this off though, cord compression can be an emergency. But there's no reason to do the lumbar spine unless something happens after the neck is done.

You've waited a long time.