Anyone in a clinical trial for Spinal Fusion alternatives?

Posted by denheels @denheels, Apr 18 7:53pm

I'm looking for alternatives to fusion as I keep having more adjacent disc disease. Waiting for my next set of MRIs to learn about the latest damage. I was going to start researching and I figured I'd ask here as well. Thanks for any thoughts.

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margiewoods51111 | @margiewoods51111 | Apr 19 9:45am

I am having the same issue. Had 2 Spinal fusion, within the year. Having excruciating Rt Leg Pain. MRI show my L3- L4 has Severe foraminal narrowing with impingement of the nerve root. Do not want another fusion, as I have issue at every level. I need to get out of pain. need help, looking for a alternative.

sassytwo | @sassytwo | Apr 19 10:19am

Great idea… I have been researching for latest greatest on the horizon.. so far not much as I think I have too much going on. I will be interested to learn what you hear back!

solom174 | @solom174 | Apr 20 9:45am

If you know of the latest in trials for alternatives to spinal fusion please share - fusion is terrible and so crude need better solution.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Apr 20 3:22pm

@denheels If you want to know what spine devices are in a testing phase, or have finished a clinical trial, you can go to https://clinicaltrials.gov/

Put in a spine related search word and you can bring up trials that are recruiting, filled up, or completed and read the information. Generally speaking, if a spinal fusion has already been done, that affects what types of devices are approved for use next to an already fused level, and devices are approved for use at a single level only, or possible multiple level. To my knowledge, the only artificial disc approved for multilevel use at this time is the Mobi C which was approved for 2 adjacent levels. Of course this can always change as invention and research marches on. You can also learn a lot by reading clinical trials because the disqualifiers will tell you a lot about what is possible. For example, I remember reading that 4mm of instability disqualified a patient for a study on an artificial disc. They have strict parameters of rules for these studies so they can rule out issues caused by certain conditions and test the device in a "near perfect" situation.

Jennifer

denheels | @denheels | Apr 20 3:27pm

Jennifer. Thank you. I am quite familiar with how do research. Are you in a trial?

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Apr 20 4:06pm

In reply to @denheels "Jennifer. Thank you. I am quite familiar with how do research. Are you in a trial?" + (show)

@denheels No, I'm not in a trial, but I did a lot of research before my spine surgery and I gained a lot of understanding by reading the clinic trial information when I was making a decision between a fusion and an artificial disc. I also wanted to share this link because not everyone knows how to find the information, and this discussion will be read by many who don't join in. I'm glad you have used the information. I also learned a lot by watching online videos of surgeons presenting at spine conferences. That may not be for everyone, but I've learned about various spine conditions other than what my personal experience has taught me.

Jennifer