Intro and questions re hybrid surgery

[Penguin]

Hello from Australia. Thanks for the provision of a great forum. I've been following this forum with interest as I'm once again contemplating surgery. I'm 43yo and have 5 children. I have learnt to live with back pain and adjusted to being less active - I still manage to enjoy life. However, my wife sometimes reminds I function far from normal (socialize less, have to rest alot, cannot work fulltime etc.) I try not to stress about it too much - I just go with it, do less when bad and lots when good. However I'd love to be rid of this pain, I'd really love to be able to go whitewater kayaking with my 15 yo son, or to go surfing again. I have a few questions re hybrid surgery. Injured my lower back about 15 years ago. I've seen two surgeons in Australia (Melbourne) and both have recommended a hybrid. The second surgeon thought my L4-5 joint may have been deteriorated too far (in final stages of degeneration 3-4 years). However, after tests (discogram, bone scan, flexion xrays, mri) he agreed to surgery.
My questions:
-I have read somewhere that TDR is less successful for a disc that is in the final stages of degeneration. Is this correct, and if so what is the reason for this?
-Common sense says use a surgeon with extensive experience with back surgery. The last neurosurgeon I have consulted with has a very good reputation and has completed abut 80 disc replacements. Is this a good amount of experience?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers, Ben

[Katie]

Hi Ben! I'm glad you've already gotten so much out of our forum...it has proven to be invaluable to so many people, myself included. I was lost until I gathered a great deal of information here, along with the educated and experienced opinions of our members.

I would have been happy to have hybrid surgery in my lumbar levels, but was allergic to all metals that would have been involved.

About your question regarding the experience of surgeons....I would not consider eighty a very high number. I would be looking for someone who has had several hundred if not more. Plus the success rate of those surgeries is very important as well. Others may have an opinion as well, but that would be my criteria

I hope we can help with your decision.

[ajj1001]

Hi and welcome. If I were being first diagnosed with a two level problem then I would have hybrid at the top of my list of options. I would want to know over how many years and what other surgical experience was alongside the 80 implants. This is not a huge amount of adr experience but if it has been done selectively for the right patients with good outcomes 5 year + then I would put this with my confidence in his skill and decide if he might be right the surgeon for me. I would get some opinions from other surgeons as well to put into the mix.

[Cindylou]

Hi Ben and welcome, I have to agree with Katie and Alison. I would get a few more opinions from experienced surgeons to compare with. Personally, I wouldn't consider 80 a high number at all. But, that's me. Good luck in your decision making. Cindylou

[Penguin]

Thanks for the welcome ladies! Appreciate the advice also. I have nothing to lose by seeking another opinion from a spine surgeon. Initially the neurosurgeon thought my L4-5 would be too far gone, given the length of time since the injury and the stage of degeneration. However, after tests, he considers that a hybrid would work. There is a little uncertainty in my mind for a positive outcome with ADR given the length of time I've been this bad.
Cheers, Ben