Does size matter?

I am wondering about size when is comes to ADR. Obviously, BMA is important and recovery, etc is enhanced by being in good physical condition. By size, I am meaning more height/weight ratios. For example, I am 6'4" and weigh 215 pounds. I am in reasonably good shape for an over the hill guy (40). How do I stack up with a 5'5" woman that is also in good shape and weighs 120 pounds. Are there any long term or short term studys that shows that total weight matters more than weight/height ratio. Does the 120 pounder have an advantage over me no matter how good of shape I am in? Curious.

I have not heard of any studies this detailed. To speculate, it depends on the perspective are you coming from. Ease of approach and placement for the Dr. or lifespan of discs due to increased loads, or post surgery complications.

I think the larger framed people who are not too overweight would make it eaisier for the Dr. to get his job done. They have more room to work in and their parts are larger, easier to identify, and work with.

The Charite comes in 5 different sizes, but the middle 3 sizes are used most. I would guess the larger foot print and size of the insert would level the playing field when it comes to loads and life span of this disc.

Post surgery comlications should also be similar if patient selection criteria and bone density testing is followed.

I am your size and the only real concern I had would be tramatic injury where my weight and gravity would work against me. I was weary of any activity where my lower hafe of my body could remain stationary while my upper continued in motion and create a shearing effect in my low back. There are not too may activites that fall into this area, but with proper contitioning and time I feel I could safley do them too.

Pat

FL Man,

Thanks for your perspective. Do you golf or is this one of the activities that you describe as avoiding.

[Brad]

IVgolfer,

There is a local golf course here in S.Cal that has a golf pro that had 2 level prodisc.
I spoke with him before my surgery and he is really happy. He told me he was not really satisfied until 11 months after surgery (shows how long it can take to get better).

Brad

[Mariaa]

I've attended a few of the spine related events that have been put together for our edification by mmglobal who himself is almost always taller than everyone else in the meetings and in the photos taken/shown on website (or so it seems from what I've viewed). I believe Mark is 6'4". He is of slender build, weight ? with 2 Charite discs and good results (surgery with Dr.Zeegers at Alpha Klinik). I'm not sure altho I believe that Alastair might also be a pretty tall fellow.

At the last get together here in So.CA. for Paulette and Dan there was a very tall slender young man (as tall as Mark) who was also an ADR recipient.

Your weight height ratio sounds normal to me. I'm guessing if there are discs that fit the aforementioned taller men, there are discs that will fit you as well.

It would be an interesting study to see perhaps how different statured persons do compare in terms of ADR success, however there are so many other variables that come into play such as previous spine surgeries and overall medical health, bone density of spine, single level vs. multi level implant and so forth that it seems for now that just making sure that the individual is a good candidate for this surgery is the overall most important factor (altho even then there are some results that aren't as good as would be expected/poor/failures).

From what you've written above, it sounds as tho you're a decent candidate for this surgery and if no other significant medical or other history to disqualify you, I would think you'd do as well as the next tall normal weight ratio male.

If you are considering having this surgery, make sure that you have your bone density checked out first even if you are male. Best to sure when it comes to this.. Maria

Thanks for feedback. I know Mark is about my size and has had great success. I thought it would be interesting to get peoples viewpoint. Brad, I am an avid golfer, at least until this summer. I don't know how well you know the pro that had two levels but if you know him well, I would love to speak with him. Obviously, golf is only one of the activities I am intersted in. The main ones are sitting for more than 1/2 hour without feeling like someone is driving a nail in my back, going on a long trip with my family, coaching my kids, going for long walks with my wife and new puppy, etc. are all much more important.

Craig

[Ann F]

IVgolfer,
I am that 5'4" 120 pound female that needs an ADR at L5-S1. I have such little space that Dr Yue says my options are Dr B in Germany or Activ-L trials. I was a former tennis player, tennis pro, and jogger, haven't done any in a few years, now just walking. NOt sure x country skiing will be an option this winter. All I have heard is that it's best to be fit, not overweight, and have good bone density. Helps any candidate, whatever size they are.