Good l4/5 between bad L3/4 L5/S1 PRODISC

[davidj8121]

Does anyone on the board have any experience with solutions for the lumbar that include a good Prodisc at L5/S1, a terrible l3/l4 that needs fixed, and a fairly good l4/l5 in between?

I had l5/s1 done in February of 2007 and it has been fantastic. I always had problems at l3/l4 that I knew would eventually need fixing. Unfortunately I am at that point. Just had failed disckectomy at l3/l4. Problem is, I could probably use a ADR at this level but this would leave me with a good l4/l5 in the middle. My guess is that the two prodiscs would eventually wear down the good l4/l5 in the middle. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of others that may have had similar circumstances?

Dave Johnson
l5/S1 Prodisc 2007, feels great
l3/l4 ready for something

[Harrison]

Dave, welcome back! I must admit, I am straining my pea-brain to recall which Dave Johnson you are (I know three from this forum).

Your question and specific situation is very unique. Unfortunately, your post-op problem is not. Some folks who have multi-level disc disease have additional surgeries to correct other levels; these include both ADR and fusion patients for a long list of reasons. How was L3-L4 before your ADR surgery? What evidence, if any, did you have of DDD at that level....any spinal arthritis of any kind?

For me, as an ADR recipient, I don't worry about the "wearing down" possibility, as my ADR was properly placed. As my device placement is precise, and my facets are good, I plan on having this device outlive me. Bottom line: if device placement is good, wear will be nominal. As well, I am now post-op in five years with NO spine pain or problems.

In the meantime, please do some searching through posts; feel free to private message people and add to this topic.

Please tell us more about your latest imaging studies and what you are doing for pain management; as well as any alternate therapies you have tried or are considering. I am really sorry that you may need additional surgery.

[davidj8121]

Harrison,

This is Dave Johnson from Pittsburgh. We spoke several times before my surgery in Feb of 2007. You and the board were a big help.

My l3/l4 problem existed at the time of my ADR surgery. They decided then to leave it alone. In April of this year, for no reason, it went haywire. Played 50 rounds of golf last year and 10 in March before the problem surfaced. Two weeks ago I had a laminectomy/diskectomy to try to fix the problem Results are less than good.

Because my last surgery was such a great success I have been contemplating getting one or two more ADR's at l3/l4 and l4/l5. L4/l5 is ok, not great but not bad enough to remove. My problem is that I don't, in my own mind, understand how the l4/l5 would hold up between two ADR's or one ADR and a fusion. My guess is it would fail shortly under the stress of the two surronding adrs. So, I was wondering and am getting ready to go see Doctor Zigler for his opinion.

I would hope that maybe they would just remove them both now and replace them both for what I would hope to be a final, total solution. I do have some arthritis but not sure how much. My lumbar otherwise is ok.

Was hoping to get an opinion from someone that may have a similar set of cirumstances. You have always been a great source of information.

In the mean time I will continue to search the previous posts to see what I can find.

Dave Johnson

[spineally challenged]

Hi Dave,

I have 2 Charite ADR’s at L5/S1 and L3/4 with a severely degenerate disc left in place at L4/5. My outcome has been poor and I've been considering additional surgery at the remaining 4/5 level for the last couple of years. Additional ADR at the 4/5 is too risky because of scar tissue which leaves fusion either via posterior or lateral approach. I am currently still undecided as to whether to proceed with further surgery.

My advice, for what it’s worth, is to not leave the L4/5 sandwiched between 2 ADR levels unless it is totally healthy. Split level configurations in the lumbar spine are pretty rare and there is no way of knowing how well even a healthy disc will manage between 2 ADR’s. If I could do it again I would never go for a split level. Get it right first time – revision is not an easy option..

I wish you all the best in whatever you decide.
Take care
Tim

[Fontain]

Can someone call me, who might have some advice please. Had hybrid and not doing well. Please

[Fontain]

Originally Posted by davidj8121

Harrison,

This is Dave Johnson from Pittsburgh. We spoke several times before my surgery in Feb of 2007. You and the board were a big help.

My l3/l4 problem existed at the time of my ADR surgery. They decided then to leave it alone. In April of this year, for no reason, it went haywire. Played 50 rounds of golf last year and 10 in March before the problem surfaced. Two weeks ago I had a laminectomy/diskectomy to try to fix the problem Results are less than good.

Because my last surgery was such a great success I have been contemplating getting one or two more ADR's at l3/l4 and l4/l5. L4/l5 is ok, not great but not bad enough to remove. My problem is that I don't, in my own mind, understand how the l4/l5 would hold up between two ADR's or one ADR and a fusion. My guess is it would fail shortly under the stress of the two surronding adrs. So, I was wondering and am getting ready to go see Doctor Zigler for his opinion.

I would hope that maybe they would just remove them both now and replace them both for what I would hope to be a final, total solution. I do have some arthritis but not sure how much. My lumbar otherwise is ok.

Was hoping to get an opinion from someone that may have a similar set of cirumstances. You have always been a great source of information.

In the mean time I will continue to search the previous posts to see what I can find.

Dave Johnson

Hi i had a hybrid with prodisc at L4-l5, Do you have any images from your Xray you can share? Please you can look at mine there on my earlier post.
Anthony