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Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems. |
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03-22-2011, 11:44 AM | #1 | ||
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Has anyone had this surgery or been evaluated for it? Stability without fusion - sounds kind of interesting!
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03-29-2011, 09:21 AM | #2 | ||
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Thanks Bunz Bunz
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--------------------------------------------------- Feb09 - had 3 level anterior cervical fusion Now have 3-4 herniation and bone spurs --------------------------------------------------- . |
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03-29-2011, 09:22 AM | #3 | ||
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Thanks Bunz
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--------------------------------------------------- Feb09 - had 3 level anterior cervical fusion Now have 3-4 herniation and bone spurs --------------------------------------------------- . |
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03-30-2011, 07:16 PM | #4 | ||
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My pain management doc told me to wait on a fusion and just get the foraminotomy for now as fusions will be done less and less as this new technology develops. Here is a link. Looks pretty exciting. http://www.prestigedisc.com/ |
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03-30-2011, 10:17 PM | #5 | ||
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Cathie |
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03-31-2011, 09:34 AM | #6 | ||
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It is so interesting to see how different doctors approach things. Thus, the need to shop around and get different opinions. I have found the "old school" doctors stick with fusions. If you find someone from 5-15 years out of medical school, they seem to be trained in the newer, less invasive procedures.
As for me, I have been told by one doc that she would do a posterior foraminotomy and the second NS said he would do a fusion, as the posterior foraminotomy would not relieve my neck pain. So, Monday I am going to a third NS for a tie-breaker opinion. This doc does perform the artificial disc replacement and I may be a candidate for it. So I'll keep you posted after my appt on Monday. Seems like there is a lot of new stuff on the horizon for spine surgery. Exciting stuff and much less invasive. Also the artificial disc at this time is only for one level surgery I believe. |
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03-31-2011, 04:39 PM | #7 | ||
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Diane54, the Spine Group that did my two cervical fusions was the Indiana Spine Group. The first in North America to perform a cervical ADR. I had mine done in 2004 and 2006. But I was not a candidate at the time for an ADR. It really depends on precisely what you have going on. You need to have the surgeon to be upfront with you. Mine own NS was. He told me even with continued ROM and an ADR there could be problems with nerve pain or rather nerve roots. So, just make sure they explain everything to you. Having said that much, they have made great strides with this. Good luck!
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04-15-2012, 07:12 AM | #8 | ||
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[QUOTE=diane54;757730]This is a relatively new technique. I believe Medtronic has an artificial disc they are using in the cervical spine. Not sure if all insurances are covering it yet. This will eventually take the place of a fusion. The artifiicial disc gives stability and no need to fuse.
My pain management doc told me to wait on a fusion and just get the foraminotomy for now as fusions will be done less and less as this new technology develops. Here is a link. Looks pretty exciting. Thanks for the link Diane, it does sound interesting and promising |
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05-12-2012, 02:07 AM | #9 | ||
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I have a Bryan Artificial disc in my cervical spine and it is just wonderful. The disc itself is like a very small rollerblade wheel that sits between to metal shells. It has a central spindle that allows for movement. I ruptured the two discs beneath it 19 years ago and the two levels were fused which put pressure on the remaining discs and was no doubt a factor in the level above rupturing.
It has made a big difference to my life. The surgery was horrible with a major retraction of my throat and I couldn't swallow for a long time after without food going up instead of down and it ached terribly. But it is so much better now than it was. For me to have fused another level would have been wrong but at the same time I couldn't function through the pain of the 3/4 disc having ruptured. I can hear the artificial disc creak when I move but it is wonderful technology. If you are giving the option to have one instead of a fusion the benefit outweighs the discomfort of the surgery. It maintains natural movement and function. That is my opinion and I have had mine for 9 years now. Last edited by mrsD; 05-12-2012 at 02:16 AM. Reason: fixing quote tags for clarity |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | eva5667faliure (05-12-2012), sandi_k (07-09-2012) |
06-24-2013, 12:53 PM | #10 | ||
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