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← Return to Cervical Disc Replacements instead of more fusions
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Cervical Disc Replacements instead of more fusions
Spine Health | Last Active: May 26, 2023 | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
Fusion causes degeneration of the discs above and below and of course limits movement. Artificial discs however are designed to give you mobility without causing further degeneration. The USA and Canada are approved for 2 levels of cervical and 2 levels of lumbar disc replacements. It's all private and less you have insurance that will pay, the cost is totally yours. Germany is at the forefront of artificial discs and is the only country that does multi-level. Four months ago, I had five cervical artifical discs implanted and structurally the surgery was a complete success. The soft tissue eg muscles, ligaments etc. are still readjusting and is a work in progress. There are a number of skilled and reputable doctors. You can send in your medical imaging for a consult at no charge. That would be the first step. Secondly, get a quote so that you have the whole picture before you make the medical and financial commitment. It's not cheap. If you have to pay yourself, Germany is a cheaper option than the USA. I have a medical background so I understand the differences between fusion and artifical disc replacement. I also spent many, many hours researching it. I would be happy to share that with you.
Replies to "Fusion causes degeneration of the discs above and below and of course limits movement. Artificial discs..."
Thank you so much for sharing this information. It's totally amazing really. I have two questions. Is this considered experimental? Would a good insurance plan pay for the surgery? I love to swim long distance. I had to stop because of my neck. Would you have that side turning movement now after your surgery? Thank you in advance for your reply. Nancy Holzheimer
Thank you, Sandpiper! I didn’t think anyone was ever going to notice my post. Do you think having the two discs replaced with implants under the fused discs would be possible? I spoke to my pain management doctor about having disc replacements last week and he told me no surgeon would touch my neck until I have the hip spacer on the left side replaced as well as the defective hip implant on the right. I’m still on antibiotics for the staph (MSSA) infection of the left hip that required its removal. I’m having those surgeries done in October and February. I’m waiting this long for the revisions because it increases the chance of the infection being completely gone before surgery. I’d love to read any information you have. Thank you again for answering. I greatly appreciate any info you can provide.
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@sandpiper49 This is very interesting. Could you share the manufacturer's name and the name of the artificial disc devices that you had implanted? I am a surgical patient too (C5/C6 fusion without hardware) and I like to know what's going on in spine surgery. One question, do your artificial discs have any spaces in them where bone tissue can grow to help hold it in place or is that done simply by screws alone?