Tim, these are always such tough decisions. I don't think the 4 hour car ride is significant, but I do think the cash is. All options are in play and both surgeries are likely to have the same outcome provided fusion occurs. I'd rather get a quality old-style surgery than a mediocre 'less invasive' procedure with BMP. How one can evaluate which surgeon takes care and gets it right the first time is beyond me.
Don't let the skin incision fool you... I'm wondering if the 'open procedure' follows a similar muscle splitting path, unlike older 'open' styles of surgery. Find out the comparitive damage to the musculature. You may be surprised.
I'm sorry that you are in this situation, but I'm very hopeful for you and your family. All the best... talk to you soon,
Mark
|