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| Spinal Roundtable Discussion, news and commentaries that delve into all other (non-ADR) spinal procedures. Find threads on fusion, IDET, discectomies, discograms, epidurals imaging (XRays, MRIs, MRNs) and all other procedures here. Pain management, medication and related topics are also here. |
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#1
07-27-2008, 12:57 PM
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Am getting pushed harder into the surgery decision corner.
Are there any "best" types of lumbar fusion methods? I also ask b/c of insurance concerns and that my facets show damage on MRI images. Thanks - Allan
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ADR candidate, L4-5; L5-S1; L5-S1 pain generator; disk bulges L3-4; L4-5; L5-S1; DDD L2-S1/may need ADR higher levels. Some spondy. W/get facet injections again and discogram if want surgery. MRIs show "moderate facet degeneration" - nervous about AD 
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#2
07-27-2008, 04:43 PM
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Allan:
I am sorry that it sounds like your level is degenerating to the point of surgery. I have heard good things about the ALIF type of fusion. I would look it up here in the search feature and see what pops up. I think someone had this done recently here. Best of luck to you. Terry Newton
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1980 ruptured L4-L5 1988 ruptured SI-L5 1990 ruptured C5-C6 1994 ruptured C6-C7 1995 Hemi-Laminectomy C5-C6, C6-C7 Mayo Clinic Bicycle Accident 2004 MRI, EMG, Facet Injections, Epidural Blocks, Lumbar Discogram. Stenum Hospital Surgery November 4, 2006 Prestige Disc C5-C6, C6-C7 Maverick Disc S1-L5, L4-L5
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#3
07-27-2008, 08:53 PM
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That would be me, silly. I am the one who had the ALIF 3 weeks ago.....ask me anything.....who knows? A little sagely answer may surprise us all, and bubble to the surface with a little wisdom.
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CindyLou bicycle accident 6/19/01 2 compression fractures sustained, T12, L1; vertibroplasty @ above levels, 9/15/01 4/06 right hip labral tear repair 4/07 Lumbar ProDisc replacement by Dr. Bertagnoli, 3 levels; L3-6 7/2/08 ALIF and Laminectomy of L6-S1 7/30/08 Removed bone cement that leaked thru onto S1 nerve root. 8/7/08 Diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, double pneumonia, collapsed left lung, pleurisy, pleural effusion. Hospitalized 1 wk. Wear bone growth stimulator 2 hrs per day.
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#4
07-28-2008, 03:24 AM
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Me too - I had L5/S1 ALIF along with Charite ADR L3/L4 on 22nd April so if I can help answer any questions please ask.
Regards Brian
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Microdisc 1998 Chiro 2001-2007 DTMassage 2001 ongoing MRIX4 Lots Facet injectionsx4 times 2003-2005 EMG Epidural, Nerve Root Blocks Denervation all 5 lumbar levels Discogram Charite ADR L3/L4, L4/L5, ALIF L5/S1 22 April 2008 Tramodol April-Sept 2008 Fentanyl Patches Sept to mid October CAT Scan, Facet Joint Inj, SI Inj, trigger point inj Oct 2008 Tried Oxycom, Oxynorm unsuccessfully and now Arcoxia, Amitryptiline and Diazapam and now Diclofenic and still struggling
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#5
07-28-2008, 02:31 PM
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Thanks for your advice and for being available. Best of luck healing. - Allan
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ADR candidate, L4-5; L5-S1; L5-S1 pain generator; disk bulges L3-4; L4-5; L5-S1; DDD L2-S1/may need ADR higher levels. Some spondy. W/get facet injections again and discogram if want surgery. MRIs show "moderate facet degeneration" - nervous about AD
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#6
07-28-2008, 02:54 PM
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Ah; More than one had the ALIF and not just our lovely CindyLou.
 Hopefully this will prove to be a good technique for you as well and that this may be the gold standard care given now for your situation as each is different. Take care and let us know what you decide. Terry Newton
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1980 ruptured L4-L5 1988 ruptured SI-L5 1990 ruptured C5-C6 1994 ruptured C6-C7 1995 Hemi-Laminectomy C5-C6, C6-C7 Mayo Clinic Bicycle Accident 2004 MRI, EMG, Facet Injections, Epidural Blocks, Lumbar Discogram. Stenum Hospital Surgery November 4, 2006 Prestige Disc C5-C6, C6-C7 Maverick Disc S1-L5, L4-L5
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#7
07-28-2008, 10:05 PM
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Today's fusion procedures are significantly better than older forms of fusion. The best forms that I know of are performed anteriorly (i.e., ALIF), and use PEEK material (e.g., STALIF and the recent Intrepid). However, you might want to research XLIF, which is a new fusion technology that could be better.
My personal belief is that the surgeon is more important than ADR vs. fusion procedure. Good luck, -Dave
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Discectomy / Laminectomy, 1999 L4-S1 DDD, 10/2006 ESI's, 10/2006 - 12/2006 Stalif Fusion L5-S1, 3/2007 ESI, 5/2008 Lumber Facet Injection, 6/2008 Intrepid Fusion L4-L5, 7/8/2008 After 10+ years of pain, finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel
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#8
07-29-2008, 12:37 AM
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I couldn't agree more with your last statement.
"My personal belief is that the surgeon is more important than ADR vs. fusion procedure."
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CindyLou bicycle accident 6/19/01 2 compression fractures sustained, T12, L1; vertibroplasty @ above levels, 9/15/01 4/06 right hip labral tear repair 4/07 Lumbar ProDisc replacement by Dr. Bertagnoli, 3 levels; L3-6 7/2/08 ALIF and Laminectomy of L6-S1 7/30/08 Removed bone cement that leaked thru onto S1 nerve root. 8/7/08 Diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, double pneumonia, collapsed left lung, pleurisy, pleural effusion. Hospitalized 1 wk. Wear bone growth stimulator 2 hrs per day.
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#9
08-02-2008, 10:44 PM
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Thank you all for your advice. - Allan
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ADR candidate, L4-5; L5-S1; L5-S1 pain generator; disk bulges L3-4; L4-5; L5-S1; DDD L2-S1/may need ADR higher levels. Some spondy. W/get facet injections again and discogram if want surgery. MRIs show "moderate facet degeneration" - nervous about AD
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#10
08-11-2008, 01:11 PM
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ans....hi we have spoken briefly before...
remember what is best for me is not always what is best for you....that is why these smart people are telling you the surgeon matters the most. I had PLIF posterior approach which requires longer surgical recovery time (usually) due to the cutting of the muscles that run along and support the spine. Anterior has less surgical recovery but some different risks due to major vessels etc. Your surgeon will decide what is best for you and your unique circumstances surgery device used ..bone graft...all kinds of stuff. Just keep doing yor homework and understand why as much as what. questions holler there is life after fusion Fuzz/coll l2-s1 plif w hardward and nspine 11/28/07
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ACDF C5-C7 2002 with hardware PLIF L2-S1 11/28/07 NSPINE DEVICE USED AT L2/3 ..fused with hardware to s1... severe ddd for 10+ years tried every conservative therapy avail denied hybrid adr l2/l3 combined w fusion 3 appeals
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