Looking Forward to Learning (Researching Artificial Disc Replacement)

**Researcher** · 09-09-2010, 11:53 AM

I just joined SPS and am looking forward to learning and to contributing where I can. You can see my history below my signature. Local surgeons have recommended ACDF for C6/C7, but I am not in favor of fusion. I am researching artificial disc options, but BCBS of Alabama does not cover ADR. In addition to the pain killers and muscle relaxers, I will probably get an epidural steroid injection to buy some time while I research options. At this point, I like the Spinal Kinetics M6 artificial disc the best, but it is not available in the U.S.

Thanks,

**Justin** · 09-09-2010, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Researcher

I just joined SPS and am looking forward to learning and to contributing where I can. You can see my history below my signature. Local surgeons have recommended ACDF for C6/C7, but I am not in favor of fusion. I am researching artificial disc options, but BCBS of Alabama does not cover ADR. In addition to the pain killers and muscle relaxers, I will probably get an epidural steroid injection to buy some time while I research options. At this point, I like the Spinal Kinetics M6 artificial disc the best, but it is not available in the U.S.

Thanks,

Hi Phil,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

Have a look around, ask questions and let us know how we can help. We are here to support you and act as a sounding board. Feel free to contact other Spine Patient Society Members via Private Message (PM), email or with our real-time, "Facebook-like" chat feature.

Welcome aboard.

**KBear** · 09-10-2010, 08:04 AM

Welcome Phil! The best advice I can give is to get multiple opinions on which treatment is best. This could reveal any potential contradictions to a certain surgery/procedure. Ask questions of the surgeons, why the recommend what they do, why don't the recommend something else (sometimes it's just because they don't personally do that surgery.) Also, fusion can be very valuable treatment option, many people should not have ADR and will end up worse because of it, so keep an open mind on treatment.
Best of Luck,
Kathy

**Gilbert P** · 09-10-2010, 10:39 AM

Hi Phil

Look.Listen, Learn, We are here to help.

The insurance warrior Laurie Todd great reading.

Gil

**Researcher** · 09-10-2010, 11:56 AM

Kathy,

Thanks for the guidance. Could you give some examples of conditions that would eliminate ADR as an option? I can see how facet joint problems or other structural issues where absolute lateral stability is required might make fusion a better choice.

Phil

Originally Posted by KBear

Welcome Phil! The best advice I can give is to get multiple opinions on which treatment is best. This could reveal any potential contradictions to a certain surgery/procedure. Ask questions of the surgeons, why the recommend what they do, why don't the recommend something else (sometimes it's just because they don't personally do that surgery.) Also, fusion can be very valuable treatment option, many people should not have ADR and will end up worse because of it, so keep an open mind on treatment.
Best of Luck,
Kathy

**KBear** · 09-10-2010, 05:13 PM

Phil, I'm not real versed on all the things that contradict ADR. I know facets, stabilization issues, if the DDD is too progressed, if 'natural' fusion is already starting. Not to scare the dog out of you (I think everyone having major spine surgery needs to understand there are risks), but here are links to 2 patient stories of ADR gone bad:

"A Grave Error" with Prodisc Implantation in Germany

L4-L5 Prodisc ADR removed and revised to XLIF and PLIF

I think that is why it is so important to get multiple opinions and ask why. There are people who were told they were not good ADR candidates, but wanted it so bad they found a surgeon who did it anyway (neither of these stories are those people, just in general it has happened). With multiple opinions, you should have at least one who picks up any potential contradictions to surgery.

**Researcher** · 09-10-2010, 05:33 PM

Thanks Kathy, I appreciate the horror story links. They help me maintain a balanced perspective. When I talk to surgeons about this, they talk about opening up my neck all the way to my spinal chord as if they were trimming my fingernails or brushing my teeth. It's good to remember that all of these procedures have the potential to cause major problems. Thankfully (maybe) my problem is cervical and not lumbar. At least the cervical discs don't have to carry the load that lumbar discs do. My major concern with getting a fusion (ACDF) is that it could lead to a more accelerated degeneration of adjacent discs. I already have some degeneration in the two discs above the one currently requiring surgery.

Blessings,

**runagain** · 09-11-2010, 02:44 AM

Phil,

You can go to the FDA website and a list of contraindications should be there. (Oh, and I think there on here, too. Sorry, Justin).
You should have the surgery that will afford you the best outcome that you can get.
As you can see, there are a lot of "you's" there.
Some Blues are covering cervical ADr and others, not.
As of my last recall, cervical ADRs approved by FDA include, Bryan, ProDisc-C and Prestige.
Surgery is a risk and anything can happen, even with experienced doctors. Getting multiple opinions for different docs, while confusing, can be helpful as you learn what might be best for you.
There is risk of adjacent disc deterioration as I have had friends who have experienced this.
I would gather all the information you can about what the doctors suggest as treatment.
And please keep us updated on your progress.

R