Question on Facet issues post ADR, could really use some audience participation.....

[back2lifeplease]

I am scheduled to go to Germany with Dr. Bertagnoli in July. Double ADR L5/S1 and L4-5. I keep reading that ADR, due to the increased movement that the discs offer, excellerate facet arthritis. Does anyone know the % of how often this occurs? Is it more for the lumbar area? And even more, is it excellerated for people who have had double ADR in the Lumbar?

Thanks

Chris

[Cindylou]

I am scheduled to go to Germany with Dr. Bertagnoli in July. Double ADR L5/S1 and L4-5. I keep reading that ADR, due to the increased movement that the discs offer, excellerate facet arthritis. Does anyone know the % of how often this occurs? Is it more for the lumbar area? And even more, is it excellerated for people who have had double ADR in the Lumbar?

Thanks

Chris

Hi Chris, Let me first start off by saying you will be in excellent surgical hands, with Dr. Bertagnoli. Regarding your question about the facets, I honestly don't know if there are any statistical numbers out there regarding that. I do know from just my own personal experience that my facets did take a beating after my 3 lumbar Pro-discs. And that is a very good question as to whether facet degeneration is further exacerbated by more than 1 level. My guess would be yes, but I don't know that for a fact. I'm sure Justin, our resident-doctor-to-be, will respond more thoroughly with his training background. My regards to you, Cindylou

[back2lifeplease]

CindyLou,

Thank you for the reply, it really means a lot, sometimes I feel like I am on a deserted island. I really do feel like I am in good hands with Dr. Bertagnoli and I have no doubt what he is capable of as a surgeon. My worries aren't with him as much as they are with how my body will react to this type of surgery. The pro discs really concern me in the lumbar area as they give such flexibility, more than your natural discs. It seems that this can put a lot of pressure on your facets. I have been reading about this new disc M6 where it keeps the same movement as your natural discs (or as close as they can). I am leaning towards this disc and hope Dr. B won't have any problems with me using it. I have included a link to the website:

M6-L Overview | Spinalkinetics

hopefully people on here have used this and can give us some feedback (positive or negative).

Wishing you nothing but good health CindyLou.

Chris

[back2lifeplease]

Justin,

Any thoughts or information on my original question regarding ADR and facet issues above? Would love to hear your thoughts....

Thanks,

Chris

[Justin]

Justin,

Any thoughts or information on my original question regarding ADR and facet issues above? Would love to hear your thoughts....

Thanks,

Chris

Hi Chris,

There are a lot of threads on facet joints in the Education, Research and Spine Publications Forum. Here are a few threads I found after a quick search:

• Comparison of Biomechanical Function: Mobile-Core Versus Fixed-Core ADR
• Facet Joint Biomechanics at the Treated and Adjacent Levels After Total Disc Replacement
• Spinal Kinematics and Facet Load Transmission After Total Disc Replacement
• Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan–positive facet joints and other spinal structures in a population with spinal pain
• Biomechanical Evaluation of the Kinematics of the Cadaver Lumbar Spine Following Disc Replacement With the Prodisc-L Prosthesis
• Anatomic Variance of Interfacet Distance and Its Relationship to Facet Arthrosis and Disk Degeneration in the Lumbar Spine
• Different design concepts in lumbar total disc arthroplasty on ROM, facet joint forces & center of rotation L4-L5
• Effect of an Artificial Disc on Lumbar Spine Biomechanics
• ADR Increased Height of Lumbar Disc Space on Facet Joint Articulation Area

[azennaro]

hi Chris I have 2 level Charite disks L5S1 and L4/5 in 2001 badly degenerated facets landed me in Brazil I had facet joint resurfacing which is in clinical trial with Dr Pimenta at L4/5 unfortunately at L5s1 IT was too late they had started to self fuse.
So he had to fuse that level.
Beats having a fusion, its a very inavasive procedure out the nest day and the are so tiny.
Any info you need just let me know.
Cheers from Aus