New info regarding ADR vs Fusion

[steve55]

Ive been browsing the net to learn more about 3 and 4 level fusions when I just happened to come across this interesting tid bit of information. I still wish I had my ADR's but this new info kind of makes fusion not look so bad after all. Im sure it is not new info, but I mean, its the first time I heard of this.

Link:

http://books.google.com/books?id=Dnb...age&q=&f=false

Pg 44 It says:

"In the long term , successful ACDF eliminates motion and thus halts progression of Spondylotic spurs. IN fact, fusion often leads to spur reabsoprtion. With motion preserved in C-TDR, spondylotic spurs may recur leading to late symptom recurrence at the same level. Further follow up may reveal that we have traded a relatively low incidence of adjacent level degeneration for a higher incidence of same level disease. "

ALso,

"With ACDF, the room for error in performing a decompression is high. With C- TDR, performing a decompression may be more critical in achieving succesful short term outcomes. Reports of C-TDR revisions for inadequate decompression have already begun to surface. "

Any comments??

[kimmers]

Steve55,

Google the authors of the book. They are very familiar for some reason. Thanks for the link.

[annapurna]

The book was published in early 2006. We've probably discussed it or the authors before.

[Jessica]

Steve,
I want to compliment you on your outlook and attitude through this difficult situation. I am inspired and in awe. You have taken on a positive outlook, when many would have been discouraged and sulking.

I am so glad that you are bringing this positive feedback on fusion. So many of us are dead set on ADR being the only choice. Clearly there are still many things to be seen.

I hope life is returning to somewhat normal for you.

[steve55]

Thanks Jess. Well, having a positive attitude is much easier when one is pain free, that's the most important thing. Things could be worse. I think it's just a more psychological block I have about not wanting fusion. Seems that most people do well with fusion. Of course the ones who dont do well are the ones still posting on the net telling us about it. Ya know, proportion wise, it seems to me that there are just as many ADR patients who are not pain free after ADR as after fusion. This also matches what the studies show and what doctors have told me. I also believe that adjacent level degeneration usually occurs with those who already have weak/problmeatic adjacent discs, and also with those who are extremely active which adds that much more stress. I dont plan on weight lifting with heavy weights or playing ice hockey anymore so Im hoping I wont ever have adjacent level issues. I felt much better about fusion after I read many many stories of 3 and 4 level fusion patients who are still doing great 10+ years later with no adjacent level issues. One lady had 7 , or 9 levels fused 5 years ago and she talked about just returning from a ski trip. So, heck, go figure.