Hi
That 50% figure is pretty scary for anyone who's only option is fusion.
I've never seen published figures as poor as that - If 50% is correct then were down to the flip of a coin. Most of the studies I've read seem to give long term outcomes (particularly for single level surgery) as pretty similar to ADR.
ADR may have the edge regarding adjacent level degeneration but I find it hard to accept that 50% of all fusion patients live to regret there decision.
ADR definitely is an important tool but it is not a panacea. Fusion techniques are being improved all the time. All back surgery is a crapshoot but if 50% is a true figure then that's pretty depressing for all of us with no other options..
Tim
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Laminectomy + decompression L3-S1 - 1988.
ADR Dr Zeegers - Charite L5/S1 and L3/4 - 2003
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