artificial disc replacement

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alim15

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Cowpin8, How long did it take for you to fuse? While it was fusing and not so stable was there still pain in your neck?
 
I had a neurosurgeon attempt to do my fusion at L5-S1 and my I did not fuse yet 9 months after the surgery. Orthopedics might be better at bone growth and fusion. Whichever you decide to choose, I think the most imprtant thing is getting the stability with a good fusion. Good Luck.
 
Has anyone had (and had success with) this more minimally invasive, non-fusion, surgery?
 
I asked my Pain Management doctor about artificial disc replacement. He told me NOT to do it. He said it is too new and he has more patients with problems from artificial discs than from the old Fusion method. I had a 2 level ACDF fusion in my neck C5/6/7 with a titanium plate and a cadaver bone implant and I feel good. It was 4 years ago. Now my lower back neeRAB a fusion on L5-S1. I would never allow an artificial disc because it is a fairly new procedure with not enough studies to prove its effectiveness. That is just my opinion. It sounRAB great and seems logical but for now I think FUSION is the way to go. I am going to see my neurosurgeon hopefully this week or next week and I am going to ask him about it. I will let you know what he says.
 
Interesting because I just saw my neurosurgeon yesterday and asked him about it as well. He said the exact same thing you posted. Also, that if problems arise and it neeRAB to be removed that is more difficult than putting it in. I'm pretty certain I'm going for the "minimally invasive", he called it, fusion with bone and hardware, probably like what you described. Any thoughts as to which is preferable - a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon?
 
For me I would only use a Neurosurgeon. It seems to me that they have a more detailed knowledge about the nerves involved. They are also Brain surgeons which I believe makes them pretty smart. It may sound stupid but I just feel that they are better. I dont mean to offend Orthopedic surgeons. Also I had a bad experience with an Orthopedic surgeon once so maybe that influenced me also. Just my 2 cents.
 
I am going through this procedure in a week with artificial hardware. I went from dx to scheduling surgery in just 3 weeks and I am still trying to process the whole situation. I am very nervous. C6/7 fusion. As explained to me it seems the right way to go. Hope I am right. L
 
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