ADR + Fusion in One Procedure

[Harrison]

The article I posted today �Some Good News For Bad Backs?� is interesting, but has me wondering about the patient in the article. He had a fusion above an ADR:

��Because Risica had two badly deteriorated discs and the FDA has only granted approval for one artificial disc to be implanted per patient, Risica had to have a hybrid operation � Halperin performed a traditional fusion operation to the disc above the implant.�

Perhaps there were specific medical reasons for this, but I hate to think it was because the doctor was not cleared or trained to perform a two level ADR�.

The article is here.

[mmglobal]

In too many cases, surgeons present the options that they can perform. The patient never knows the full range of options... even when seeing a top ADR surgeon.

"Do your homework, make informed decisions!"

Mark

[Alastair]

Yes sooo right Mark

Knowledge is power

This is what this board is here for to keep you the patient informed of your best options

Best
Alastair

[wbaker68]

Pretty scary. Obviously there are sometimes needs for fusion involved with ADR with instability but this doens't seem to be the case unless the doctor is misquoted. I sure hope so!

[JeffreyD]

Fusion above ADR could be indicated in a case where the entire joint is degenerated (facets, etc.).

Jeff

[Judy]

As many as you know, I have had a combo done by Dr. B, the only difference is I have ADR above and below the fusion. As you suggested Harrison if this is not done it can cause the domino effect. At least this is how it was explained to me. I needed L3/4 done and L4/5, L5/S1 was borderline and due to this Dr. B had recommended doing the combo. I had to have the fusion at L4/5 due to last doctor had removed my facets.

I agree that it seems this man received the option that the doctor he was seeing could perform and maybe not what was best for the patient.

i cannot say enough, and was said to me many times, "Do your research" and only you can decide what is best for you.

Judy

[cervie queen]

I am getting on the schedule with Dr. Bertagnoli for the same procedure as Judy V: the need for the fusion at the one level is due to advanced facet disease and spondylolisthesis, unless Mark wants to correct me. He knows much more about this than anyone in the world save a couple of Doctors and I trust my life in his hands.