@grandmar I am sorry you are going through more troubles. Bone growth around an artificial disc is a known risk factor of these implants. I have read literature about that. Bone growth happens because of uneven pressure. It is your body trying to stabilize it by growing bone around it. Have you tried to appeal to the insurance company about their denial? They may be putting you into a bad situation if this is left untreated. The bone growth will continue and may get to a point where the spine is fused solidly around the implant and it may not be operable at that point. That is my guess, and the real answer must come from a spine surgeon.

Your state also has an Insurance Board that is the governing body for insurance companies and you can make a complaint there. The exception to that is when the insurance is provided by an employer and is self funded meaning the employer is paying the bills. Usually these are managed by an insurance company, but because they are employers, that is regulated by the Board of Labor in the state. If this is a Medicare situation, there is also an appeals process for Medicare.

Have you talked to your medical team about appealing the case? They may have dealt with this all before. Have you asked to speak to a supervisor at your insurance company about how to officially make an appeal? Insurance companies have been known to reverse a decision when challenged. It doesn't matter that this only happens to 1% of patients with artificial discs. I am a spine surgery patient (cervical fusion at C5/C6), but I also broke my ankle, and the metal plates on my ankle were causing problems. I had those surgically removed after my bones had healed and the insurance company paid for that surgery no questions asked. You need to make some noise about it with those who are holding decision power over you. What does your surgeon recommend should be done in your case?

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