QUESTIONS: International Spine Patients Symposium

[biffnoble]

Please list your questions in the following format:

* Question
* Question
* Etc.

If you want to add questions, create a new post don't edit a previously existing one.

Please scan the thread to be sure that your question hasn't already been asked.

Thanks!

[spotty14]

Questions:

1. If Vetebroplasty is used with ADR surgey and there is some complication that requires the ADR ro be removed - can it be removed if it's cemented in?

2. Is there a bone density test that measures bone density below Lumber : L-4?

3. For ADR Clinical Trials in the US the cut off point for disqualification from bone density issues is a T score of -2.5. Does a bone density T score of less than -2.5 guarantee that the bone is strong enough to hold an ADR? Could low bone density at the adjacent levels from an ADR cause subsidence?

Thank you

[Mariaa]

Stretch Neuropraxia~ this is about injury occuring to nerve during stretching for distraction (I imagine).
A). Does this occur because of over distraction?
B). Is it seen to occur more commonly in disc spaces that are further collapsed or collapsed for a longer period of time?
C). What is being considered in terms of prevention?

What is/are substance(s) used for vertebroplasty in terms of prevention of subsidence by Dr.Bertagnoli.
When does he consider using this:
Certain T score level?
Other criteria?

Are we going to see the introduction of such a substance used for vertebroplasty in the U.S. anytime in the near future (is it the same substance as used for vertebral fractures currently in US)?

Annular tearing and adjacent disc replacement. What Grade tear would constitute disc replacement.
Is it still the concensus that adjacent disc replacement may help to stabilize a disc that is disrupted but with annular tear but not considered significant enough or concordant for pain on discogram?
Have studies proved otherwise re stabilization of adjacent disrupted disc with tear and if so, would it then be considered more prudent to replace disc even if not concordant for pain at time of discogram?


This next question pertains to myself so don't know if anyone would like to ask or not..

I have rt. S1 nerve root scarring and have been told many a time that this was reason for much of the confusing burning type of pain I have in varying locations. What I wonder is if there is anything that might be done at the time of ADR surgery with this scar tissue or is just considered better to leave it alone~

[Eddie_G]

*Are there any back patients on Hormone Replacement Therapy (ie. Testosterone, Chorionic Gonadotropin), and do they fare better or worse than patients not recieving H.R.T.?

[Eddie_G]

*With the new coating on the disc to enable bone growth, will bone grow in places where it shouldn't and cause problems? Why not? What is it called when the bone grows into an artificial disc and interferes with functionality?

[ans]

"Will the new Charite's w/a painted porous coating be functionally different/safe in effectiveness vs. European Charite in which indentations are built into the disc?"

"Can doctors predict when an ADR facet problems"?

"Will the L4-L5 area always be very problematic for re-entry?

"Can redistribution of fat (like Dr. Zuckerman of SF does) minimize the danger and risk of through lots of scar tissue in this L4-L5 region" .

"Anything on the horizon to prevent bone growth impeding an implant's function"?

"Any promising fusion techniques that could give ADR a run for its money?" (I note a few start-up companies Biff).

"Anything in the grapevine worth holding out for say in a year"?

*Thank you* for offering.