Lumbar Disc Replacement (Charite L4/L5)

**bman** · 09-26-2010, 11:56 PM

My apologies for not clarifying the comment on fusion longevity. 10 years is my take on the typical time for adjacent level breakdown that I PERSONALLY would expect to get out of a XLIF. That is based on the condition of the distal L5S1 segment, as well as my line of work, etc.
I have seen pts with fusions fall dozens of times, break all kind of bones in the process and never have a problem with the actual fusion.... but I've seen as many pts require a future fusion above or below the initial area also.
My apologies for the confusion.
B

**rhatzy** · 09-27-2010, 12:21 AM

Hi,

You hit the nail on the head. What should I get? fusion or ADR? It's the biggest decision you'll ever make. Are my facets OK? Will they be ok and if not, can I get a revision if I have an ADR? How long will a fusion last? What if I do nothing? Will my other levels get worse or stay good? Which disc should I get?

These are the dilemmas we have dealt with. I have 2 levels, L3-4 and L4-5, with the Maverick disc, The lastest on the market back in early 2008. It has been 30 months since I had mine put in and I still wonder if my facets will be ok and if the other levels will be ok. Going back in is a risky procedure. However, this was my only option.

Now, they have some really slick ADR's on the market that actually act like a natural disc, ie, the M6 and others. I think the Charite and prodisc is kind of dated as evidented by insurance companies not paying for it. If you want the latest and greatest, you need to go out of country. There are many fine surgeons in Brazil, the UK, Spain and Germany. It will cost you but you will get excellent care and a superior product.

There is tons of info on this site to help you make your decision and many people that would be more than willing to help you in your search.

mark

**ajj1001** · 09-27-2010, 02:56 AM

Originally Posted by bman

Here you go Alison, at least one example: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External...R5cGU9Mw==&t=1

Hope this helps.
B

Thanks, I had seen that one of Dr P's, he did a PLIF then an XLIF.

Originally Posted by bman

That is THE # 1 reason for ADF/TDR failure world wide- ad well as one of the two main arguments insurance carriers use with regard to denial of payment. In my example I am a perfect candidate for replacement.
Too many procedures are done on pts. with poor facet potency and excessive degeneration of one or more bodies. ADR isn't for everybody!!!!

Even with the most perfect facets, no other adjacent disc problems and no previous surgeries ADR can go wrong. I was told by my original surgeon that I was to expect 10 years from my charite before the discs caused problems. I had 5. He no longer uses the charite, another surgeon I know about did not like it from the outset and never chose to use it.

**Cindylou** · 09-27-2010, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by rhatzy

Now, they have some really slick ADR's on the market that actually act like a natural disc, ie, the M6 and others. I think the Charite and prodisc is kind of dated as evidented by insurance companies not paying for it.

mark

I was just going to say that even when the Charite and Prodisc were the first kids on the block, insurance companies weren't paying. They were too new and "investigational." I wonder just how long insurance companies will be able to throw that term "investigational" around at every denial?! Years and years and years and years?? I still say when the FDA approves something, insurance companies should fall into line and follow suit. When did insurance companies become the new God? Ought to be against the law!