Do these crooked Pro discs look normal??

[steve55]

My 3 month X rays today:



These discs dont look so straight huh? Are these all crooked or what? I mean geeze, I was standing straight and face forward, yet the top and bottom disc plates are tilting in all kinds of different directions, no rhyme or reason to it. I mean, look at the bottom prodisc! That upper plate is really cranked isnt it?? I wasnt turning or bending when I took this. My first X ray in germany post op, they were all evenly and nicely aligned with each other. Ill see what Dr B says when he gets them. On the bright side, Im in no pain and am now off pain meds working 10 hours a day at the computer with no problems. 2.50 mo post op now, so not bad progress.

[Maddie]

I hope someone else has an explanation for this...because to my very uneducated eye, it gives my stomach flip-flops.

I would push for a very rapid response from Dr. B. This would have me laying awake at night, but then I haven't seen very many post-op images of multi-level pro-discs.

All I can do is wish you luck and hope I am very wrong. I guess it is a good sign that you are out of pain.

[steelskyway]

Steve,

I was looking at your pic and even if you were standing straight I was curious what type of PT for your core you have done. Are you in any appreciable pain?

Paul

[longroadahead]

I don't think everyones neck is perfectly straight so it could be how the disc adjusted to your body so it is all normal.

[Harrison]

For what it's worth, my neck is just as crooked...and I am pain-free.

[Maddie]

Wow, guess I really am uninformed That looks so scary to me, but everyone else seems to think it is nothing to worry about. Carry on...with the advice from others who are much more experienced than I

[Harrison]

Maddie, we are all in the same boat -- all patients trying to help each other out. The only difference is that some of us further down the road to wellness. No patients' posts should be construed as being completely accurate or factual...

So, that's a round-about way of saying "thanks," as all of our posts are welcomed and needed.

While I am on my soapbox, for newbies, please see this topic: Important Reminder Regarding This Discussion Board

OK, sorry for the highjacking. Back to you, Steve!

[pizzaman]

Wow, I cant't wait to see what dr. B is going to say about this. I am glad you are feeling good. I am backl to my ten hour days too. Still in some pain and stiffness. I am getting ready for my three month X-rays too.
I hope this X-ray is ok for you. Definetly does not look straight, it doesn't make sense.

Originally Posted by steve55

My 3 month X rays today:



These discs dont look so straight huh? Are these all crooked or what? I mean geeze, I was standing straight and face forward, yet the top and bottom disc plates are tilting in all kinds of different directions, no rhyme or reason to it. I mean, look at the bottom prodisc! That upper plate is really cranked isnt it?? I wasnt turning or bending when I took this. My first X ray in germany post op, they were all evenly and nicely aligned with each other. Ill see what Dr B says when he gets them. On the bright side, Im in no pain and am now off pain meds working 10 hours a day at the computer with no problems. 2.50 mo post op now, so not bad progress.

[steve55]

Well, I heard back from Dr B at Prospine as follows:

"Regretably your x-ray newante.oyur perfect 3-months x-ray does raise major concern: The c67 ADR is tilted, and this is due to an apparent sinking of the upper plate component into the vertebral body bone. This does not have consequences for the width of your spinal canal, so no danger for the myelon – be put back at ease.

Dr. Bertagnoli recommends to correct this finding surgically now: reentering via the same approach. Removal of the ADR. Fusion of this semgnet by a zero-profile cage, which can be fixed with little titanium screws.

This would represent a estimated 1,5 h procedure, which of course he wants to do himself. This could secure an adequate position of this segment for lifetime.

The alternative of “wait-and-see” is sure out there, as you do not have relevant complaints. Yet as the vertebral bone stock within a vertebral body is spongiosa (“softer” than the endplate) further subsidence might occur. And then result in a “kink” in your cervical spine, causing pain. And which could affect the c56 position, which is at present perfectly functioning. In balancing the comparatively low effort of re-entering to this eventual course in the future, we recommend revision surgery.


Pro-spine will send you a cost-estimate for the proposed surgical plan, which of course will respect this very exceptional constellation of your case. . After reception please tell me, if you wish to be scheduled."

Nothing to say but "what a bummer". Im not really too worried about going through with another surgery, especially since Cervicals are pretty easy to do and access compared to if it were a lumbar ordeal. Im more worried about having a fusion done. Ive heard about fusions not being so reliable and having long recovery times, and causing adjacent disc failures, and many people with fusions not getting better etc. And of course, the cost factor is HUGE too.


I have no idea why this happened , but I dont blame Dr B. Im just t hat 1 in 50 patient who has subsidence occur, but man, it sure happened pretty fast huh? As far as I know, Ive got super strong bones, Ive played high school football and C league ice hockey and throughout it all, Ive never broken a bone. I also drink 2 gallons of milk per week. I know my bones are strong, but,.....then how did this happen? Is it due to the new Nova prodisc only having 1 keel at the top?

Now, Im also wondering about the top disc also, I mean, it also seems to be sinking to the right, is it not?

Ill probably just go ahead and do what Dr B. suggests, but I plan to get a 2nd opinion from Dr peloza also. Maybe from Dr Ziglar too but Ziglar wants $300 to $500 for a visit and even then, the TX back Institute wasnt sure if he would see me.

[Mike L.]

Hi, I am coming up to decision time for prestige single level C3 4. My local surgeon warned me of getting an ADR device in at C34. He wanted me to ask the ADR surgeons if they anticpate a problem moving my muscles out of the way to clear for a perpendicular jig, and placement.
On a happier note. A friend of mine had c23 and 4 fused and he's back jogging every other day. He had to wear a collar for 9 months.
Keep us informed. I wish there was a test or tool they could use to screen for spongy bones. 1 out of 50 isn't that low a number.
Mike L.