Bone Density: A Crucial Test!

[jamie5136]

When I went to Dr. Bertagnoli, only my hip bone density was done, not on my spine, so I had 2 out of three subsidence, so I wanted to let everyone know that it crucial to make sure that the spine is strong enough before surgery. The subsidence is unknown, however it did happen. My friend Steve Nees had a cervical subsidence and had them all removed and fused; his was a staph infection. So, mine could be a bone density, wrong sized disc or an infection.... who knows, but it did happen. I just think that it is important to determine the strength of the spine. A spine bone density is a key tool. Thanks.

[Justin]

If you'd like some more reading on osteoporosis, here's information from the Spine Patient Society's Education Materials:

A Patient's Guide to Osteoporosis

[jamie5136]

I actually work with chemists and doctor's and know quite a bit about it, but the information is great that you have provided. I simply wish that a bone density had been done on the actual part of my body where the surgery was being performed. I had no surgery on my hip. I understand that subsidence can happen regardless, but I did not know this going in and now that cement has been injected at several levels, I understand any further surgeries on the worst level will be far more challenging. Also, it took a third party to notice the subsidence. It was overlooked on the x-rays by the doctor's and his assistant. A friend had to tell me and then it was confirmed. So, follow-up is important and making sure you get all good x-ray views (including the Ferguson) view is crucial. So many issues could have been avoided had attention been paid more to detail.

If you'd like some more reading on osteoporosis, here's information from the Spine Patient Society's Education Materials:

A Patient's Guide to Osteoporosis

[Keano16]

I've talked to Dr. Zeegers about this, and also with my spinal surgeon in Croatia. Bone density scan does not mean much to them. They want to see plain standing X-Ray, and they value your bone quality by looking at those images.

My result on L4 disc was -2.9 on Densitometry, but when Zeegers saw the images he said:
"Your vertebrae looks much more better than -2.9".

Just my experience and observation.

[jamie5136]

Interesting. I am in the medical field and the person I work with said that bone densities are not that valuable. However, one was not even done on me, just my hip. My surgeon based whether or not he would do the surgery on my bone density, not an x-ray. At least this is as far as I know. Wow, a -2.9 is not a good score, right? My hip is a +2. So, did Zeegers do your surgery or did this doctor do it in Croatia. I am in let's say a pickle myself along with a few other failed ADR patients from Germany. I have been told to take it out, leave it in, etc. etc. I am going to try to focus on the source of the pain, but at the end of the day, I assume it is L5S1: It looks a total mess and they did not even see it, Scary!!! I should post it. Zeegers called me and he seems very nice, but said he would do an anterior only retrieval, no posterior fusion..... so, that would make like 10 different opinions. I have not heard one success case of fusing over, so that scares me.

I've talked to Dr. Zeegers about this, and also with my spinal surgeon in Croatia. Bone density scan does not mean much to them. They want to see plain standing X-Ray, and they value your bone quality by looking at those images.

My result on L4 disc was -2.9 on Densitometry, but when Zeegers saw the images he said:
"Your vertebrae looks much more better than -2.9".

Just my experience and observation.

[Keano16]

Spinal surgeon in Croatia did the fusion, with indirect blessing by Dr. Zeegers who kindly looked over my condition, symptoms and images. He told me "This is not real osteoporosis".

Yes, I know sometimes decision about the doctor and treatment method can be hard