Hello Out There

[Dan-O]

Growing a bit tired of learning about the spine, surgeries, etc etc over the past 7-10 years; only wish I'd knew then what I do now...I'm sure that's a familiar refrain here...;-)

Scouting out options for L4/5 ADR (Charite) facet issues and a transitional segment at L5/1 that seems a bit unstable after a TP-resection for something known as Bertolotti's syndrome--misdiagnosed for almost 10 years. I now know why radiologists have the most expensive malpractice insurance--cuz they miss more diagnoses than they find! True.

So, does anyone actually know anyone who has had an ADR extracted and then fused laterally? With an ALIF below it, at the same surgery? Pimenta, Regan...?

Thanks!
Dan

[ajj1001]

hi, sorry not heard of anyone having that done but there are quite a few revisions going on and I've not done an Internet trawl recently.

I'm about to go in for 2nd revision op on 2 level charites but they are staying where they are unfortunately. who have you had opinions from?

alison x

[Justin]

Growing a bit tired of learning about the spine, surgeries, etc etc over the past 7-10 years; only wish I'd knew then what I do now...I'm sure that's a familiar refrain here...;-)

Scouting out options for L4/5 ADR (Charite) facet issues and a transitional segment at L5/1 that seems a bit unstable after a TP-resection for something known as Bertolotti's syndrome--misdiagnosed for almost 10 years. I now know why radiologists have the most expensive malpractice insurance--cuz they miss more diagnoses than they find! True.

So, does anyone actually know anyone who has had an ADR extracted and then fused laterally? With an ALIF below it, at the same surgery? Pimenta, Regan...?

Thanks!
Dan

Hi Dan, sorry you are dealing with facet issues. We have a few Spine Patients that have had extraction of their artificial disc replacement (ADR) devices. Off the top of my head: one was successful and now has minimal pain; the other patient almost died on the operating room table.

As you know, revision of an ADR device has many risks including death. I would research, research, research and ask to speak to Spine Patients that have had revisions with surgeons you are thinking of consulting with.

Good luck.

[Cindylou]

Hey Dan, I would just reiterate what Justin already said, as you move forward with your current facet issues. I am so sorry too that you are dealing with this. It just sucks. I know you will move forward slowly and deliberately, as this is such a huge operation to even think of undertaking. My very best to you....Cindylou

[Lynda]

Scouting out options for L4/5 ADR (Charite) facet issues and a transitional segment at L5/1 that seems a bit unstable after a TP-resection for something known as Bertolotti's syndrome--misdiagnosed for almost 10 years.

Hi Dan

I'm sorry you are dealing with these issues. I too have facet arthrosis at the level of my two lumbar ProDiscs.

There are a couple of members of the ADR Support UK forum who have Bertolotti's Syndrome. Both have gone on top have revisons following their lumbar disc replacements but not explantations. One is still having a bad time, the other rarely posts so not sure how she is right now. Here's a link to one of the posts in case you wanted to get in touch/compare histories. ADR Support UK -> More Surgery

Regarding revision surgery both Luiz Pimenta and Regan both have experience with disc replacement revisons so either would be good to consult I think. Both are among the world's leaders in spine surgery I believe. I have met Dr Pimenta briefly and he seems very approachable.

Good luck and best wishes in finding a solution

Lynda