Question on Facet issues post ADR, could really use some audience participation.....

[back2lifeplease]

I am scheduled to go to Germany with Dr. Bertagnoli in July. Double ADR L5/S1 and L4-5. I have read a lot on this site about people having issues with their facet's post ADR. It seems that due to the increased movement that the ADRs offer that they excellerate facet arthritis.

So, does anyone know the % of how often this occurs? Is it more for the lumbar area? Is it excellerated for people who have had double ADR in the Lumbar?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[herron65]

Chris

I believe it depends on the artificial disc used. I chose the M6 because it mimicking the maturation disc in movement and its ability to provide some shock absorbing properties also. The older style ball and socket designs were rock solid and you could move as far as your bones and body would let you, and to me that did not sound like a good thing.

Good luck with you surgery, I am almost 7 weeks out and I still have none of the old back pains. I do get some spasms but I take a hot shower and do some gental stretches seems to clear it up. I am only taking Advil gel caps about 2 times a week.
Again good luck and take time to heal.

Jeff

[back2lifeplease]

Jeff,

Thanks for the reply! Hey congrats on your surgery and I hope all continues to go well. Please keep me updated as I will look into the M6 now. I hope Dr. Bertagnoli will use it. I am having the same discs replaced as you.

All the best,

Chris

[annapurna]

There's marketing information that suggests that the ADR used affects the likelihood of facet arthritis but little non-marketing driven research to support that belief. Facet problems are more likely for the lumbar than for cervical. It is highly dependent on how bad your facets and other tissue was going into the ADR surgery. Those two are pretty much certain. Misplacement or poor choice of the spacer height, logically enough, really contributes to it as well.

Beyond that, it seems to be a judgement call. There's even a reasonable argument that says that some ADRs work better for some people and others work better for other people. Certainly, I'd ask Pro-spine to discuss what kinds of indications they'd use to decide that fusing was smarter than ADR when you actually get there and they can do their full pre-op work on you. It might be that your pre-op checkup suddenly makes it clear that you really need a hybrid fusion/ADR rather than a double ADR.

[back2lifeplease]

Jim,

Thanks. I always find your posts helpful, I can't thank you enough.

Chris