new here, first post
 

First, thanks to all of you who are sharing your knowledge and expertise. My name is Tim. I am a former Marine (3 years) and a retired firefighter (33+ years). I have had back trouble for what seems like my whole life, until age 53. I am 61 now.

Messed up the back in 2007 doing God know what, its not like it was something new to be in pain again... it was however worse than my normal pains. Progressed rapidly to the point that I needed a wheelchair to get in to see my doctor. She ordered me to start using pain pills which I hate and avoided at all costs prior to that. Long story short, my wife found Stenum doing an on-line search for artificial disc replacements.

Went there in November, 2007. Had 2 M6-C ADR placed at C4/5 and C5/6 and 2 Maverick ADR placed at L4/5 and L5/S1. Surgery done Nov. 29th. Flew back hope mid December.

Recovery was slow but steady. I returned to work as a full time firefighter after 6 months with no restrictions at all. Knew it was a miracle for sure.

Jump forward to late 2013. I started having random pains in my left arm and shoulder. Along with that was getting numbness and tingling in half of my left hand. Had a few doctors try to figure if out. Did physical therapy, had trigger-point injections done, X-rays and MRIs taken. Saw specialists in Seattle with little help. Went back to a spine doctor in Spokane who had another set of X-rays and an MRI done. He believed there were bone spurs along C 4-5-6 which were causing the pain, numbness. Scheduled surgery to clean the spurs up on April 29, 2015.

Surgery started well, as in on time, and when he got into the c-spine he immediately found a piece of loose metal debris, which he removed and he then closed up the incision.

Good and bad of that. All the problems with the left shoulder, arm and hand were gone! The metal debris was believed to be from the M6 at C5/6. So, off for a CT scan. Results... both M6 are broken, the annulus of both appear to be gone. There is at least 1 more broken piece that can be seen on the CT that is still in the area. C5 and C6 both appear to have lost their density. Osteolysis I think it is called. They are not viable and will have to come out along with the ADR.

I get to talk to a surgeon at University of Washington Spine and Joint Center July 10th. Both Dr. Ritter-Lang and Dr. Bertagnoli have offered to do this revision surgery, but being retired, I am not sure I can afford either of them, so may just stay in the States and have a fusion of some type done.

Anyone who has been through this and has some ideas or suggestions to share, please let me know!

Thanks again for having this site here to offer help, ideas and sympathy for all the spine problem sufferers out there.

so sorry to hear that
 

Hi firefighter, my thoughts will be with you as you deal with this.

I'm new here as well, and just in the process of researching options for my recently diagnosed C5-6 and C6-7 herniated discs. Until now, all indications were that the M6 discs were the most promising and reliable, so I read your post with some shock.

Given that you went back to firefighting after your surgery in 2007, I assume there was some significant stress placed on your spine over the years after that? Or did you try and take it easy?

And was the surgery done by Dr. Ritter-Lang or Dr. Bertagnoli?

Hi firefighter,
May I ask which if the surgeon you spoke with at the UW was with UW/Valley Medical Center? Just curious because my spine surgeon is with UW/Valley 😉

GinaMarie1221 and dman777
 

GinaMarie, I am not at the valley location. I saw Dr. Wagner last month and will see Dr. Hoffstetter this Friday. I believe he will be my surgeon. I am going to the Spine & Joint Center on Roosevelt in Seattle.

dman777, I worked for 3 more years after my surgery in 2007. Dr. Ritter- Lang did all 4 of my ADR. From what I have seen and read recently, I think the newer M6s are pretty good. I have heard there were some problems with the earlier ones (like mine). I assume they have made some improvements to the M6 ADR as they get more data on how they work for the patients.

Dr. Bertagnoli has never liked the M6, Dr. Ritter-Lang thought it was the best cervical disc in 2007. I didn't do anything different when I went back to work, and it was my knees that forced me to retire when I did, not the back or neck. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Just a thought
 

Hi Firefighter,
Sorry to hear about your situation. I too met with Dr Wagner.. Great guy....
Just a thought, there is a Dr.Richard Wohns from the Seatttle Area, supposed to be a super good ADR surgeon, might be worth a shot for an appointment with him to get his opinion? Best of luck and prayers to you on your healing.

Hi Iron
 

I did send a copy of my CT to NeoSpine in Seattle with a cover letter asking if they would be interested is seeing me as a patient. One of my good friends had a single level fusion done by Dr. Tredway last year and he is very happy with the outcome. I never got a response from anyone at Neospine. It may be that they are very busy or that they just did not want to do the mess that my neck has become. Thanks for the prayers!

Any pics to post
 

Firefighter,

Very sorry to hear your situation.

Any way of sharing/posting a couple of screen shots of the broken M6's.
I am sure many of us would benefit from seeing this as it would concern those that are done and any that are contemplating.

Be well and speedy recovery!

F

Oh this is not good. I am so sorry to hear of your complications. Please keep us posted on how you proceed. In the meantime I am sending positive energy your way.

I had my ADR with Dr. Jason Thompson with Proliance Orthopedic Associates at UW/Valley Medical Center. He is fellowship trained and is the Director at the Joint and Spine Center. Just a suggestion if you're looking for options or second opinions :-)

Gina

Dear Firefighter, I am sorry about your complications with the M6, and will prey you find the right solution and be pain free again soon. I have read that the M6 design allows for revision and be replaced with another M6 (new model), but not sure if the condition you described may limit this option! And of course for another M6, that means going abroad again and the high cost associated. Please keep us updated & best wishes.