J,
Moderate to advanced arthrosis (especially of the facets) is a contraindication for disc replacement. Bear in mind, with the link you provided:
- Dr. B is one of the foremost authorities on ADR, and his ability (and unique) techniques to "clean up" and prep the spine for ADR is a wee bit different than other spine docs;
- As is the case with other surgeons, e.g. Zeegers and Scott Young, etc.;
- As advanced as these spine docs above, few will perform diagnostics to assess systemic diseases (like Lyme disease) that affect the entire spine and other joints. In fact, Zeeger's clinic is the only one I ever heard of doing these kinds of tests and they do it well. At least they were for years, and I hope they are moving to molecular diagnostics if not already.
I had my my Charite' in 2004, my spine is well. Properly indicated patients do well with disc replacement, especially if they have a good surgeon, good OR team and good luck!
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