Spinal fusions vs artificial discs

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I have advanced spinal stenosis on 5 lurabar levels. I have seen 4 different Physicians and they all say I need a 5 level fusion. None of the surgeons seem too optomistic about the sucess of the procedure. I've been doing a lot of reading about disc replacement in Europe. Has anyone had a five level fusion and what has been the outcome? Also has anyone gone to Europe for disc replacement and what was your outcome? Any information would be very helpful.
 
Hi,
I am waiting for a 3 level fusion, from what i have read disc replacement is only available if it is 1 level (although that was a while ago and things do move fast these days)
Good luck Martin
 
There have been people on the board in the past who went to Germany where they do multi-level replacements with ADR. The reason they don't do more than one level in the US is because of instability issues...but apparently Germany is using a different type of artificial disc. I suggest you concentrate your research on Germany and see what you can track down.

Many people with scoliosis have had multi-level fusions. Hopefully you will hear from others who have had this surgery.

Perhaps you could have a corabination of artificial discs and fusion. I know that is an option some places.
 
I do know someone in the States who had 3 replacements and the outcome was not good. One of the advantages to having the procedure done overseas is the wider variety of types of artificial discs available. There is only one kind approved for use in the US and it does not have a good track record.
 
hi my name is jodilynn,and i just had a 3 disc fusion on 7-28-08 and they used a disc replacement,from what i can say about it, its some type of gel,and it wase'nt fda approved,but there still allowed to use it in the us,and i feel great for being 3 weeks out.i wish i can tell you more,like the name of the gel or some sideaffect.but what i can tell you is that my doctor used it on my ex-husband 8 years ago and he's great too and he broke his back in 6 different places,the only thing my doctor told me was that i could'nt have kiRAB for a year,and the recovery time by useing this gel was faster with bone groth also.i also use a bone groth device on the outside of my body,i were it 2 hours a day.most doctors put it in your body and take it out at a later date,which can cause a infection easier.so i hope i helped you out alittle because i had both,and i really feel great,no pain like before just healing pain.

good luck jodi
 
I have severe spinal stenosis at 3 levels with advanced DDD and a ruptured L5 - S1 disc that is bone on bone now. I have heard the Charite ADR is a bad option and to avoid it at all costs. My cousin works for Synthes, and thier ADR, the Prodisc, is said to be the best ADR on the market today. I see my surgeon on 8-26, and I really want ADR over a fusion. However, I would only suggest ADR if you are completely trusting in your surgeon and the product he/she will use.

I have been researching disc replacement options for the last year or so, and the studies have shown the Prodisc is far superior to the Charite in patient satisfaction and is not failure prone. I also think you can find places in the US that will do a 2 level ADR. I can't stress enough, be absolutely sure you do your homework and trust your dr. and the hardware if you have any back operation. Take care,

Tony C.
 
Hi,

I have three Prodisc ADRs in my lurabar. I went to Austria for the prodedure 4 1/2 yrs ago. I have been pain free since in my low back. I also had a fusion 4 1/2 yrs ago at C5-6 (neck). Since then the fusion has triggered the two disc above it and three below it to herniate. I will be returning to see Dr. B in Munich for three Prodisc-C ADRs in my neck. I will never have another fusion again. I'll live with the pain first.

My best advice is research things thoughly. Stay clear of the Charite ADR. It failed miserably in Europe and never should have been approved here. Unfortunately all ADRs are getting judge by the weakest one. Look at how each disc is constructed. I spend a year researching ADRs before making a choice.

I wish you well
 
The levels fused for scoliosis do not usually contain all the lurabar levels but rather the thoracic. We bend from the lower lurabar back and that is why multi level fusions done on that area of the spine have a low success rate. The results from these fusions differ greatly.
 
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