Prodisc C removal/revision to fusion, questions

[CP7959]

Only 1 of my M6's was removed. The Stenum Surgeon (Dr. Ritter-Lang) did a poor job of cleaning out the foramen, so I had problems immediately post surgery. That's the risk we take going to Stenum. They operate very fast. My 2 level surgery was about 40 minutes.

[asanders]

Originally Posted by CP7959

If your in the hands of a good spinal surgeon, hopefully everything will be OK. The biggest question I would have is the Keels on the Prodisc are rather large. Will this create a problem with additional bone loss when he tries to take it out? The M6 had very small keels so that wasn't a problem with me.

Good luck.

That's one thing that has me quite concerned. I also thought I read somewhere that there is a good chance of small fractures from the keels after removal. I have plenty of questions for my NS, that's for sure.
How was your recovery? I'm worried that recovery will be a little worse than a regular fusion, since they are doing a bit more messing around in there than usual.

[CP7959]

My experience wasn't bad. Although it was my Dr.'s first revision, not to mention it was an M6 that is not approved here, so he's never even seen one. He did take the time to speak with Spinal Kinetics to get their opinions on revision of the M6.

So the surgery was smooth. I had no new issues from a recovery point of view. I was dealing with right arm nerve issues from my Stenum surgery, prior to revision.

I would quiz your surgeon on his view of a PRO Disc revision and his thoughts about the Keels and what you might expect.

[JKDE302]

CP7959 can you tell me about how you hurt your neck? Why you had a 3 level ADR, and why you had a m6 removed and fused? which m6 did they take out and fuse, the bottom one? Please let me know b/c i also have a multi level problem and hope to learn.

[asanders]

Had my first (of two) pre-op appts today. Scheduled at the end of this month for a Prodisc removal and fusion.
JKDE, I'll post back and let you know how it went. You seem to be itching the same way I was.

[jss]

asanders,

Good luck! And yes, please let us know how it goes.

Jeff

[scotto74]

Best of luck with your upcoming surgery asanders. I hope and pray that everything goes well for you. I have two levels in my neck that need to be addressed due to cord compression, and I have some lingering concerns about the ProDisc (the doc proposed a fusion at 6/7 and ADR at 5/6). However I also have concerns about getting a two level fusion! These decisions are so tough to make. My older brother is headed for a fourth cervical surgery, so I know that this may be the first of many for me. Good luck with everything and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for a successful revision for you.

Scott

[JKDE302]

Originally Posted by asanders

Had my first (of two) pre-op appts today. Scheduled at the end of this month for a Prodisc removal and fusion.
JKDE, I'll post back and let you know how it went. You seem to be itching the same way I was.

What happend????

asanders where you at? I need your advice, I want to know whats up...

[catelynnw3]

Hi Amy,

It's been awhile since you last posted. I hope that the revision and fusion went well for you. Please let us know how you are doing...

Best wishes,
Cathy

[CP7959]

JK sorry for the late reply, I haven't been on the boards. To answer your questions:

CP7959 can you tell me about how you hurt your neck?

No certain event, just have a ****y neck.

Why you had a 3 level ADR,

Because I though I was smarter than the several Dr.'s I visited. Never should of had 3.

and why you had a m6 removed and fused?

Stenum did not do a good job cleaning the foramen so I still had nerve impingement. The disk was fusing anyway, so it was removed,bone cleaned up and fused.

which m6 did they take out and fuse, the bottom one?

C5/C6 removed and fused. I had C6/C7 fused in 2003. I have 2 ADR C4/C5 and C3/C4.

At this moment in time I am doing fine with my neck. No neck pain for the most part. I do get periodic right arm discomfort if I overdue it. But my last surgery was the end of April, so I still have time for improvement.

As an FYI when I was having neck pain post surgery I had the ablation done at 3 levels, both sides all at once. The procedure was a piece of cake as if I never had it done. But that seemed to have fix my neck discomfort.