Perhaps a Hybrid Approach is the way to go
Mrbaozi, I'm sorry to hear what you're going through. It sounds like you're just at the beginning of your research. Dr. Bierstedt is a good start. There's also Dr. Clavel in Barcelona and Dr. Zeegers in the Netherlands. You might also want to check out the Texas Back Institute (TBI) in Plano, TX. That's where I had my cervical ADR at C5/C6 which was below two levels of previous fusion. Here is their website: Center For Disc Replacement - Texas Back Institute
You might want to discuss a hybrid approach with the surgeons with whom you consult. From reading these boards most people do okay with a fusion at L5/S1. However, you might want ADR at L4/L5. Most people who have ADR at L5/S1 do well afterwards. However, it is amongst the highest levels of failure (maybe 2%). It's not a high percentage, but when that level fails it can be debilitating. Since it's one of the best levels for fusion and worst for ADR, that's why I suggest you look into the hybrid approach.
Best of luck to you!!
Gene
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Car Accident 2002 - Small Herniated Disc C3/C4
1998 Larger Herniation and Cervical Fusion C3/C4
2005 Herniation C4/C5 - 40 epidural steroid injections from Oct 2005, - Oct, 2007
2008 - Foraminotomy at C6/C7 on left side
Feb, 2010 - Cervical Fusion C4/C5
Dec, 2010 - Lumbar Fusion L3/L5
2013 - Bulge on C5/C6; herniation C6/C7 right side
Mar 26, 2013 - Foraminotomy at C6/C7 on right side
May 5, 2015 - ADR with Dr Blumenthal of TBI for C5/C6 using Mobi-C
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