[kappa5070]

I was not deployed to the Gulf, that was before and after my time in service. Ive had x-rays and a MRI. X rays show a compression fracture on the anterior superior vertebral end plate of L4 and decreased disc space at l5-s1. The MRI shows DDD at the lowest 3 lumbar discs, severe at l5-s1. The L5-S1 disc is bulging diffusely, causing central canal stenosis and bilateral intervertebral foraminal compromise. Also a slight uncontained herniation on the left posterolateral portion of the disc. L3-L4 looks like it is beat up, but it doesnt cause pain. The pain is definatly over the L5-S1 disc. I have great facets and great bone density. Dr. Bitan turned me down for the kiniflex study because he thought my DDD at L3-L$ was too pronounced for the study(multi level DDD). Im not sure, but I think I could still be a candidate for the surgery as long as it is not a clinical study. The parameters are more stringent for the clinical studies, right? Anyway, got to go to systems physiology class. Any feedback is again much appreciated.