Fusion or TDR...What to do?

[newlygurl]

My DDD is at L5-S1. I had my consult today and the doctor said I could do either TDR or TLIF, but he recommends MI-TLIF in my situation. My discs above my L5-S1 appear healthy and have great height. His reasoning is that he feels believes the 4th and 5th generation of disc replacements will be much better in the years to come (titanium on titanium) and that the fusion has been as successful at my level. He did leave the choice to me.

Logically, what he was saying sounded good but I would love to have your thoughts on what your experience has been.

He did say that he believes that my hip and buttocks pain is coming from my back and that it he is confident it would be resolved with surgery...along with my back pain. When I asked what percentage I could reach in pain relief, his answer was 80%, but of course that is not a guarantee.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks....Sherry

[Harrison]

Hi Sherry, I hope your appt with the doc went well yesterday. Compared to others here, you are lucky in that you have one "bad" disc. Generally, people with one bad level do well with fusion or ADR. I am one of these success stories -- I'll be pain free for six years next month with the Charite' at L5-S1.

BTW, sometimes I do wonder where these percentages come from -- like the 80% number!?