L5-S1 fusion by Dr. Armin Helmbrecht at AlphaKlinik

[hey_look_its_dave]

Hi,

I figured it was time to stop filling up the new member section with my non-ADR nonsense (see "Am I a candidate for ADR?").

AlphaKlinik rejected me for an ADR on the basis that I already had a descectomy at that level (L5-S1). They did say they could do a fusion. What's done is done. No point crying over it now. I'm sure I could find a "cowboy" who would do an ADR anyway but AlphaKlink is rejecting it, no doubt, because they think a successful outcome is less likely. It's probably more a way of preserving their reputation rather than altruism, but the result is still to protect my outcome.

I asked if Dr. Zeegers would be doing it and they said it would be Helmbrecht. His bona fides look pretty impressive, but I don't see any discussion of him on this board. Any Google searches end up in German. He too does ADR.

I'm probably going ahead with it. My ortho surgeon (Kevin Grant) here in Toronto, while good at what he does, follows the tried and true brute force methods he was taught. From the little tidbits on the ATOS website, Helmbrecht appears to be a leader in microscopic work, and he is a qualified neurosurgeon.

My research seems to indicate that fusion outcomes are about 47% successful. I would imagine there's quite a spread on that and I'm trying to optimize my chances by going to a place where there are recognized leaders in spine surgery. Also, the waiting time for fusion here in Toronto is many years.

So far I've sent them my MRI CD. They also requested today a set of x-rays:

"The surgeon will be Dr. Armin Helmbrecht. After we receive your MRI I've send you the cost estimate. Could you please send the X-rays (4x: lateral, anterior -posterior, in flexion and extension). The reviewing of the images cost 61,22€. After you will receive also the medical report."




I don't yet know what type of fusion he would do. My list of questions so far include:

1. What type of fusion?
   • posterolateral
   • interbody
     • ALIF
     • PLIF
     • TLIF
2. His rate and measure of success?
3. If/when adjacent disc fails, is it eligible for ADR?

If you think there are other things I need to ask, please let me know and I'll add them to my list.

I will update this thread as a record of my progress.

Dave

[annapurna]

A question: the Alpha Klinik is defunct as of last year and was certainly dead when we walked past the place this week. We've also heard that Zeegers is no longer practicing in Munich at all. Are you sure you're working with the right people and not the ATOS Klinik that took over from the Alpha Klinik?

[hey_look_its_dave]

Yes, it is actually ATOS-Klinik. There is no mention of Zeegers and my fusion, should I go ahead with it, won't be by him. I've been saying AlphaKlinik when I talk about it because its easy to say. I should really be saying ATOS.

I shoudn't do that because its just going to confuse everybody. Sorry.

Of course, since Zeegers has nothing to do with it, I can't credit ATOS with his reputation. I did like the fact that they have a guy who does diagnostics (Wagner) and then a guy who does the surgery. I like the fact that Helmbrecht is a neurosurgeon. In end, how does one make a decision? I'm still wavering like crazy.

[annapurna]

Personally, we went to the Alpha Klinik much more for it's knee work rather than spines but from that perspective, ATOS is nothing impressive. Their experience certainly wasn't impressive enough to drag anyone across the ocean. We haven't checked to see where they rate with spines but I'd be really careful of thinking that they are any near as good as the Alpha Klinik and Zeegers were. The few locals we've asked about ATOS seemed to also be somewhat negative about it but that might have been a comparison with what used to be.

[hey_look_its_dave]

I'm in the process of getting a referral to Harrison's guy (Robert Banco - ortho).

The problem I'm having is, who really stands out?

Last week I did fill out some online forms at Prospine (Bertagnoli) and at Stenum, but they have yet to answer. I asked them if previous discectomy disqualifies me from ADR. If everyone says I'm disqualified, that makes my decision easier.

If you were in my position and could go to Germany or somewhere in the States, are there any obvious "experts" I should check out? This is the age old question, I suppose.

Dave

[annapurna]

To do justice to our original decisions, Laura had her L5-S1 ADR done by Zeegers and her two cervical ADRs done by Bertagnoli but we went with the German surgeons for the first two of her three surgeries because ADR wasn't available in the US at the time. Deciding to go with a German surgeon was a cost and availability question first, skill and experience question second.

Bertagnoli is someone anyone contemplating going outside of the US should check with. The problem is Prospine as a whole is lousy at answering emails. If you do go with them, grab a card and use their phone number for backup on critical stuff. Zeegers is still practicing, just not at ATOS. Beyond those two, which we've worked with, there's Stenum. There's also a number of places people have tried in Asia that have worked well.

For the question of going overseas vs. staying in the US, I can't help. As surgeons for two out of the three ADRs were decided by more or less necessity, it was easy for us.

[hey_look_its_dave]

It's interesting what you say about going to Germany at the time out of lack of ADR Drs in the US. Thanks for that.

I've just faxed a bundle of stuff to Dr. Yue's office at Yale asking if I'm a candidate for ADR. I also sent in an e-form to Dr. Bitan in Manhattan asking the same thing. I'm FedExing MRIs left and right!

The hardest part of all this is searching for "good" surgeons. I got some help from my wife last night and that was a major boost. Most family member's reaction is that they don't want to talk about it or get involved because it's such a serious and emotional issue. It feels like an almost insurmountable problem alone.

Do you have any idea where Zeegers is now? i.e., contact info?

Dave

[annapurna]

From Betaklinik.de:

drs. willem zeegers


Consultant - Disc Prostheses

E-mail: wzeegers at zeta(dot)demon(dot)nl This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Telephone: 0228 - 9090750Fax: 0228 - 90907511
http://www.zeegersadr.com


World-wide renown dutch disc expert Drs. Willem Zeegers enriches the surgeons of the Beta Klinik. He is one of the most experienced experts in the field of disc prostheses with more than 2.000 surgeries. We are glad to welcome Willem as a new member of the Beta Klinik Team. E-Mail-addresses: zeegers at t-online(dot)de, zeegers at betaklinik(dot)de


Be warned though, seven years ago he was lousy at replying to emails and I've not heard anything about him improving.

[hey_look_its_dave]

Ha! Beta Klinik! I love it!

Done with Alpha, he moves on to Beta. Crazy guy.

I'll send a message and see what I get.

So far Dr. Yue is VERY helpful indeed.

Thanks once again for your help. This place is such a MAJOR life saver.

Dave

[Don]

Originally Posted by annapurna

Be warned though, seven years ago he was lousy at replying to emails and I've not heard anything about him improving.

I was in touch with the AlphaKlinic a few years ago, considering ADR, and while sitting at my desk one day after sending them my MRI and films, Dr. Zeegers himself called to ask me a few questions. He didn't email me, but he did call. I was very impressed. We talked for probably 5 minutes.

Best of luck,

Don