Dr. Clavel's assessment
 

Dr Clavel has reviewed my files and information and comments below:

“3 level lumbar disc degeneration.

The nerve compression is predominant at L4-L5 and some also at L5-S1.

Due to the degree of facet degeneration at these levels, I would perform a 2 level fusion which can be done from the front (ALIF) and a 1 level artificial disc replacement at L3-L4.”

Interestingly, no surgeon here in Canada that I've seen to date has mentioned the worn out Facet joints. This in itself makes contacting him worthwhile. I have skype consult scheduled for Oct 23, 2015 with Clavel.

I am also obtaining a consult with Dr. Zeegers as another option and full medical opinion.

Any comments from senior members appreciated. :jacks:

Maczoid

Dr Clavel is highly ethical IMO. I used him over 15 months ago to great outcome.

I highly recommend him.

Comments
 

Dr. Clavel pays very close attention to the facet joints, he reviewed them very carefully in my case as well. I would trust him.

Clavel's consultation Oct 29-2015
 

I have to say that everyone that recommends Clavel is right on!
Dr Clavel answered all of my 26 questions giving me a lot of satisfaction. He explained the entire procedure and the risks which are minimal.
His plan is to use the Adrius cage to fuse L5-S1 & L4 adding the M6L at L3 to protect the rest of the spine from further deterioration.

He explained the bone plate at L5-S1 was not in good enough shape for the M6L and the facets at the L5 S1 & L4 levels are worn out which would cause problems for M6 L implants and the increased motion they provide.

I am very satisfied with the Dr. Clavel's plan. I just need to have my consult with Dr. Zeegers and receive his "perfect diagnosis. " then make a decision on which surgeon.

Thx for all those that posted.

Maczoid :beer::kiss:

Call me if you want to discuss. Curious about the cage used for fusion by Clavel's recommendation.

I agree
 

H was the only one that even looked at my facets joints as a consideration. If he tells you good to go; you're good to go! ;)

Cage used in fusion by Clavel
 

Drewrad,

The Arcadius XL fusion cage you asked about is in the link below. Clavel stated this is the cage he would use.

Maczoid

http://www.bbraun.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg...d=PRID00007366

Thanks. Hmmmm.

Yeah, he used a Medtronic Sovereign spacer with a separate titanium & plate fixation with me.

Wonder why the switch???

The new fusion cage used by Clavel
 

drewrad,

When did you have your surgery withe Medtronic device?


Maczoid

I was July 9th 2014. I just wonder why he switched from Medtronic to Aesculap. Is it a better deal economically? A better device? Or a combination of the two?

Ask Dr. Clavel.

The reason is that there are numerous studies that insist that what I got which was a cage secured by a titanium plate and screws gives a much more solid lockup than screws going straight through the cage due to not as much bone solidifying within the cage.

I have links to the studies if you want them.