New member looking for some advice - cervical ADR or fusion?

[Elwood30]

Hi All,

I have a old rugby injury from college that has run it's course and now I'm heading towards surgery fast. I am seeing a neurologist to determine if this is something that we treat immediately or monitor until surgery is necessary. My inclination based on the nerve issues I'm encountering is that surgery is imminent. I've been told by a spine surgeon that i would need a 3 or 4 level fusion (C3/4, C4/5, C5/6, C6/7 with C3/4 being the 4th should they need to do 4 levels) if we operate. In the meantime, I have received a estimate for surgery from Dr. Bertagnoli for 3 level ADR. Being a neophyte to ADR, I was wondering what people's experience has been with multi-level cervical ADR. I'm hesitant to do fusion because of the added stress on the discs above and below.

I'm 41 years old with two young kids (2 and 4), and my goal it to remain active, play sports and stay in shape. What are folks thoughts on the two options above?

[KBear]

Welcome the the site and sorry you have to be here. Depending on the situation, sometimes fusion is preferable and sometimes adr is better. There are so many variables that can affect whether a person is a good candidate for either procedure. There can be issues with so many levels of ADR or fusion. I would also ask about a hybrid, where they do both fusion and adr. I would highly recommend getting at least 3 opinions from different surgeons, then weighing your options. Also, ask them why they are recommending the procedure they say, this can give you lots of insight (ie, is it b/c they only do fusion?) Also, find out how many of each procedure they have done. The best thing you can do is research, research and more research. Then make the best decision with the information you have.
Good Luck and feel free to ask any questions you may have, there are no 'dumb' questions when it comes to something as life changing as spinal surgery.
Kathy

[Elwood30]

Great advice Kbear, I am planning on getting a opinion from a neurosurgeon as well. I live in the northern VA area, does anyone have advice on the best doctors in this area?

[Keano16]

Depending on your diagnosis, good way would be dynamic cervical implant or artificial disc replacement, and then fusion in future or due to problems.

[wendyayers]

Hi All,

I have a old rugby injury from college that has run it's course and now I'm heading towards surgery fast. I am seeing a neurologist to determine if this is something that we treat immediately or monitor until surgery is necessary. My inclination based on the nerve issues I'm encountering is that surgery is imminent. I've been told by a spine surgeon that i would need a 3 or 4 level fusion (C3/4, C4/5, C5/6, C6/7 with C3/4 being the 4th should they need to do 4 levels) if we operate. In the meantime, I have received a estimate for surgery from Dr. Bertagnoli for 3 level ADR. Being a neophyte to ADR, I was wondering what people's experience has been with multi-level cervical ADR. I'm hesitant to do fusion because of the added stress on the discs above and below.

I'm 41 years old with two young kids (2 and 4), and my goal it to remain active, play sports and stay in shape. What are folks thoughts on the two options above?

Hi, I had a three level (C3/4, 4/5, 5/6) replaced Nov. 09 with Dr. Bertagnoli. I had severe ridiculopathy from C4/5 and 5/6.

I still have pain, and am trying to rebuild strength. I'd be happy to talk to you further if you would like.

[KBear]

Great advice Kbear, I am planning on getting a opinion from a neurosurgeon as well. I live in the northern VA area, does anyone have advice on the best doctors in this area?

I believe there is a section on the forums that is "domestic spine travel" on it there are lists of different doctors and facilities throughout the United States. If you don't find what you are looking for there, post a separate topic asking for dr's in your area.