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Cervical Disc Replacements instead of more fusions
I had ACDF surgery on 2 discs in July. The surgeon said other discs would eventually need surgery, too. Unfortunately I am starting to have intense neck pain again along with numbness in my hands and morning headaches. I was hoping to see if anyone here had disc replacements instead of discectomies with fusion. I don’t want to lose the ability to turn my head that I have left. I’ve read insurance covers it until age 60. I’m 58 so I need to know what my options are. Thank you!
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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.
You are very welcome. The doctor that I went to is a miracle worker. He takes on surgeries that other doctors won't touch and he has the skill set to do them. Do you have a recent MRI? Are you in the USA? I know that artificial discs can be combined with fusions that already exist. Obviously you need to be in good general health to have the surgery i.e. not have an infection. Only the orthopedic surgeon in Germany can make that decision. My advice would be to contact Pro Spine in Germany and fill out the consult info. That includes a detailed medical history and imaging. There isn't a charge for the consult. Then you'll know for sure.
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1 ReactionHi Nancy. It isn't at all experimental. Germany has been doing artificial disc replacement for 15 years. There are other countries that do 2 levels and may be cheaper but I would caution you against using cost as your deciding factor. Re: restoration of movement. That's the idea, but surgery isn't an instant fix. It takes care of the structural aspect of your spine but the muscles and tendons have to be re- trained to accomodate the changes that the new disc will bring. I live in Canada and the cost was my responsibility. I have read that some insurance companies in the USA do pay. As for the swimming, as a massage therapist and also a 5 disc recipient, personally, I would avoid any activity that would put undue pressure on the AD. You can resume normal activities but swimming marathons is hardly s normal activity. So I am iffy on saying yes you can. I do know that although I wouldn't coddle myself, I wouldn't put myself in jeapardy. When you think about what our spine has to do to support our body, it has to be pretty strong and resilient and the new disc has to be too. However the orthopedic surgeon can best answer your question. My advice would be to contact ProSpine in Germany and request a consult. There is a form to complete with a detailed medical history and they need to see recent imaging i.e. MRI, xrays etc. Start there and if they offer you surgery, get a quote. Then you'll have all the info you need to make a decision. Then check out the insurance aspect. It would have to be existing insurance.
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5 ReactionsThe discs have evolved over the years, each version being better than the last. I live in Canada. The cost was entirely mine. According to the testimonials I have read, some insurance companies in the USA do pay for artificial discs. The USA is known for its exorbitant medical costs and although they are approved to perform 2 level artificial disc replacement surgeries of the cervical and lumbar areas, it's probably much cheaper in Germany.
Thank you so much for your informative answer. This whole process is so new to me. Exciting to think you have could have a choice. I will be in Germany the middle of September. I will diffenitly make an appointment with a qualified surgeon. I appreciate your advice and direction.
You are welcome.
Does anyone know the surgeons specializing in cervical disc replacement in the USA? and Florida, USA?
Thank You
@mjmember
So sorry to hear you're having difficulties already! I also did not want to lose mobility in my neck, so I had a disc replacement during a study back in 2008. The pain and numbness in my entire right upper quadrant went away immediately - after about 18 months! Also, I still have full mobility of my neck. I hope this may help.