Prodisc ADR fusing and not moving

bootslamar · #1 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 10:25 PM

I'm new here.
I'm one week post-op from a prodisc c at C5-6 and C6-7.
I did not seriously consider (or even hear about) future auto-fusion of this device.
scary.

mmglobal · #2 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 11:19 PM

Autofusion of ADR often generates a positive result. Obviously, we wish motion was preserved, but if autofusion causes the system to settle into a non-painful configuration, the clinical outcome can be very good.

IMHO, some times the presence of the autofusion process indicates that there is a problem and the body is trying take care of it. (See eddieG's story... I think it is possible that his pain is coming from the autofusing level, yet the surgeon did the revision on the disc that was not autofusing???)

Some surgeons have very high autofusion rates (google "heterotopic ossification cervical disc replacement" and you should see the articles"). Other surgeons have very low HO occurrences. I wonder about eoh's having autofusion in both cervcial and lumbar procedures? Do you have some reaction to the prosthesis? Do you have some propensity to grow bone where it shouldn't? I hope to learn more about this case.

All the best,

Mark

energyofhope · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 01:13 AM

I doubt that this phenomenon has much to do with who the surgeon is. I was operated by different (top notch) surgeons. I strongly suspect it has to do with the patient anatomy of the facet joints going into the surgery. As our organic disks deteriorate, they often cause facet joint deterioration as well. I was considered a good candidate for ADR in my cervical and lumbar spine at the time of the insertion despite having some facet hypertrophy. Young, active, motivated to get better, etc.

It is clear that ADR accelerated facet joint deterioration greatly. I don't have any other joint problems in my body, and otherwise, I am very healthy, so we can't blame this problem on something systemic.

I suspect, it is better to do traditional fusion in cases like mine from the start because autofusion of ADR often leads to "incorrect" fusion with lots of overgrowth that causes huge problems in people like me. And, if ADR fuses soon after anyway, then there is no motion preservation argument that can be made. Besides, it is very possible to find a competent surgeon in the U.S. (where I reside) and have fusion covered by your insurance, instead of spending a fortune and traveling in pain abroad.

I think, ADR will become TJR (total joint replacement) in the future. When that day comes, it will be a much better solution (when they have a proven and reliable total joint replacement solution that will take care of both the disk and the facet joints)

But, hindsight is always 20/20... Anyway, I need to figure out at this point if my Prodiscs in the neck and in the back need to be taken out as part any future revision(s) and who is the best doctor for this...

energyofhope · #4 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 01:33 AM

Mark,

You wrote something that makes me worried: "IMHO, some times the presence of the autofusion process indicates that there is a problem and the body is trying take care of it. (See eddieG's story...) "

Can you please send me eddieG's information, I am new here and don't know how to find his story...

Thank you.

Maria · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 06:25 PM

Energy,
I believe you're correct in terms of matters not who the surgeon is as much as the patients own anatomy or bodily response to the surgeries performed.

As for Dr.Bradford.. he was the surgeon first authorized to do my 2 level ADR back in '03 but the trial canceled out and even tho I finally ended up with an ADR at L4 and fusion at L5S1 being authorized I have done nothing further to date re my lumbar. Of all the surgeons I have seen I liked Dr.Bradford's bedside manner quite a bit. He actually looked at me and patted my knee and said "I'll try to make you better".. wish he could have done the surgery way back when. He was having shoulder probs at the time tho and I think he was retiring as well.

I too have some cervical issues going on now (disc bulge at C5/6 and DDD at 3 levels)... I'm told that it's more genetic/hereditary in terms of my DDD.

I'm pretty much believing anything can happen when there's surgical intervention of the spine.

Good luck with pain relief~ I think that's the most important thing as long as you've still got function going for you.