M6L and arthritic facet joints

[facets]

I have been lifting weights since I was 14 (56 years). From age 19-28 was active as a super heavyweight power lifter. National champion 3 years. Retired from competitive lifting at age 28, dropped to 215 lbs and continue to work out. . Do a lot of physical labor on my ranch in BC, Canada.

No noticeable problems with back until 2001. Hyperextended it doing heavy leg presses on inclined sled. Experienced tremendous pain in left hamstring and front of left shin. Both muscle sets noticeably atrophied. Recovered about 90% of former muscle strength and fine for decade or so.

About 2 years ago I stood up out of bed and experienced excruciating pain in the L3-5 area which dissipated within few minutes. Since then, standing up out of bed every morning is new adventure. Discomfort varies from a mild tingling to severe stabbing pain. Am also apt to feel a movement/adjustment of vertebrae in the L3-5 area.

MRI, x-ray results show several bulging discs, multi-level facet arthritis, and accompanying stenosis. Have higher bone density than average 25 year old.

Don’t want spinal fusion, spinal support rods, or endless pain shots.

I'm told that the facet arthritis developed because flattened disks caused them to rub against each other. A UK spinal surgeon (done only 5 M6L's) said that facet arthritis too developed for ADR to be worthwhile. Another UK spinal surgeon (only done a handful of M6 placements) says raising the disks would help, but too difficult to stretch the contracted facet ligaments & all AD's subside, which would eventually bring back my problem. Now in the process of contacting several ADR specialists in Europe.

Anybody have any experience with success/failure of M6 AD's vis-a-vis arthritic facet joints and does M6 compress over time?

[drewrad]

I think the M6 L does compress over time, but not enough to be a problem. But then again, they haven't be around long enough to determine that for sure.

The two surgeons you mention, neither of which have done enough M6 implants, don't have the experience you need for an opinion. Not even a dozen combined between them. Try some of the ones mentioned here in these forums that have literally thousands under their belt and get their opinions on your facets.

[facets]

Thanks for your response. With hindsight, don't think my heavy lifting was such a good idea either!

I am doing as you suggested and have sent my MRI and x-ray to two specialists in Germany and one in Spain. Expect to hear from them in a week or so.

Have you decided what you're going to do?

[drewrad]

Originally Posted by facets

Have you decided what you're going to do?

Yes, but I have the affordability of time. Most people don't. For me, I am fairly functional so I'm a research monster right now. I just submitted my blood tests yesterday to Orthopedic Anaylsis to make sure I'm suitable for metal implants. Takes approximately 7 - 10 days to get back. Then, a second call with Dr. Clavel in Spain later in the month, but I also like a couple German doctors as well.

I am also intrigued with getting one of these. This is really important the more I see how it works. It can not only help in precise diagnosing, but in other elements for the surgeon to see pre-surgery. That should help roadmap for the surgeon precisely where my nerve problem is along with any other structural issues before the first cut in.

[jss]

facets,

Condolences on the condition, and welcome.

Someone posted on this site many months ago that Spinal Kinetics documentation predicted that an M6 would loose about a millimeter of height over some period of time. But I don't think that anyone really knows yet. After 4 years mine hadn't yet lost any.

Facet arthritis is a common contraindication for ADR. However, many on this site with "mild" facet arthritis have had successful lumbar ADR, while others have not had desirable outcomes. If I'm doing my arithmetic correctly you're in your 70's. Some years ago being 60 and over was also a contraindication for ADR, but I haven't seen that mentioned for quite a while. Perhaps that has been lifted? Or perhaps your high bone density eliminates that contraindication?

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Jeff

[facets]

Thanks for the info on compression - that's encouraging. On the flip side, anything more than mild facet arthritis as a contraindication for ADR surgery is a worry.

I'm pretty sure that elevating the space between the L3-4 and 4-5 vertebrae
would help my case, as hanging from a chinning bar or putting about 220 pounds on the lat machine and letting it stretch me out eliminates any discomfort for a while.

Do you know why facet arthritis is a contraindication for ADR while a disk fusion is not?