Medtronics' Sextant Fusion System

[ans]

http://www.nervemed.com/spinal-disor...l-technologies

http://www.lessinvasivespine.com/sextant-system.html

I read Harrison's interview w/Dr. Filler and bought his wonderful book (but nothing about S-I joint problems!). I'm also aware of the company's stellar reputation.

Dr. Filler uses it. I wonder what the data show and if insurance pays for this (the latter unfortunately important).

(I'd need several levels done).

Thanks Geniuses.

ans

[Harrison]

Allen, thanks for the reminder on Dr. Filler...time flies indeed. I am sure that his office can answer the insurance question. OK, maybe they can! The Medtronic MIS procedure is interesting. It also looks like a technically demanding procedure, no? Whatever the case, who doesn't love the idea of less invasive surgery? Keep us posted!

[Jack]

Originally Posted by ans

http://www.nervemed.com/spinal-disor...l-technologies

http://www.lessinvasivespine.com/sextant-system.html

I read Harrison's interview w/Dr. Filler and bought his wonderful book (but nothing about S-I joint problems!). I'm also aware of the company's stellar reputation.

Dr. Filler uses it. I wonder what the data show and if insurance pays for this (the latter unfortunately important).

(I'd need several levels done).

Thanks Geniuses.

ans

As much as I tried to convince myself and the doctors I talked with to do TDR, disc replacement at my L5-S1 is just not the right thing to do. I have mild-moderate facet disease but the real stopper was isthmic spondylolisthesis at this level, an absolute contra-indication for disc replacement. I was somewhat confused early on as Stenum said that they thought I would be a candidate for TDR at this level. Just goes to show the importance of getting multiple opinions. I should be a candidate for TDR at L3-4 and L4-5. Hope it isn't necessary but according to the discogram, it might be in my future.

I am scheduled for minimally invasive PLIF with internal fixation on 12-28-09 using the technique described on the website in your link. I don't think insurance will be a problem but will be happy to advise you as things progress. I may send the info by way of a private message since this is a disc forum and not a fusion one.

If you want to see a video of what this surgery looks like, check this out. This is the guy who will be doing my surgery. This is real and not simulated. If you get a bit light-headed at blood etc., you might want to skip this part. http://www.orlive.com/wfubmc/videos/...y-fusion-plif-

[ans]

Thank you Jack for your time in responding. I too have spondy/retro-whatever, about 4 mm acc'd to a 4 year old MRI plus ruined facets. See, we're similar but you're sane!

I wish you my best for complete success in your surgery. I'm sure you've done your homework and I too would be interested in a minimally invasive approach although I don't know if it produces better long-term results.

Please keep me/us informed. I think Harrison is sensitive that not all of us are ADR candidates 'tho we tried. (Are you Rich?).

My very best - ans