Facet problems after Charite TDR

[TDR]

I had the Charite TDR at L5-S1 in 2005. For the past two years, I have had very bad pain and have been diagnosed with facet problems. This has been caused by the Charite device. I had no facet problems prior to surgery.

Has anyone had a Charite revision to fusion that has corrected the facet problems? What options are out there? What about facet replacement? I had been doing pretty well over the last few months, but recently began having extreme pain and am ready to look at options.

[ADRJen]

I also had Charite surgery about the same time as you at L5S1 and am now again having pain. How did they determine it was from your facets? My doctor thinks that mine is from the adjacent disk since I can flex my back with no problems. He said usually you can't bend backwards without major discomfort if you have facet issues. I'm having an MRI today, so hopefully I will get an answer soon.

[TDR]

It took a while to get a diagnosis. But the fact that I have trouble bending back and not forward is a good sign, plus the CT scan showed the problem. Went back to doctor today, and was put on a steroid pack.

If not better, will get another CT scan to check for further damage. He said it may also be some type of annular tear since my pain is really low at the top of my tailbone.

[ADRJen]

TDR, thanks for explaining your issues. I guess that reconfirms my doctor's diagnosis that my problem isn't the facets. I have no problem bending backwards, but lots bending over forward. Now if we can only find out what my problem is (with an easy, non-surgical fix!)