Artificial disk in the neck

[LWILLIAMS]

I posted here previously about possible fusion of somw disks in my neck and I dont beleive I will go that route anymore. Does anyone out there have an artificial disk at all, I know it is fairly new but just wondering if anyone has anything to say about them.

 

[Mike]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

I know that when I was in spine sales for the lumbar and thoracic spine, artificial discs were in their infancy and was rife with problems/issues. Depending on which of your discs you are having problems with your choices may be very limited.
PM me if you would like to discuss.

 

[GardDog]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

I'd like to hear what you find. I have a IOD C5/C6 issue, that is likely to require surgery.

 

[fx77]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

http://blue.regence.com/trgmedpol/surgery/sur127.html

Bottom line is that there is no long term followup on artificial disc..failures are bad news. There is insufficient medical efvidence to recommend this procedure. Many surgeons are salesmen..beware.

The tried and true surgery is ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) with plate and screws.

My friend just had his neck done. Home next day, took no pain meds, and at 3 months is shooting Big Bore Rifles..

 

[GardDog]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

This is a link to my Dr's website that has a pretty good animation of the procedures under "Education":

Link

 

[LWILLIAMS]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

My area is the C6 and I am lookin at the prodisk c

 

[smokshwn]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

FWIW, I have been dealing with various disk issues for the last 6-7 years. I have had two microdiscectomies in the lumbar spine and will likely have another at some point. I have been to three different docs and finally found one I really like and trust. I have been seeing him for the last 4 years. He has a very active practice and is a relatively aggressive surgeon. He is also a very active individual himself who has had procedures relating to discs. At one time he was a nationally ranked mogul skier.

I say all this to give some credibility to his advice and that is artificial discs are not ready for widespread use in the repair/replacement of damaged spinal discs. He is optimistic about the future but he doesn't feel that the level of durability and or function has been achieved yet.

As always YMMV based on you and your dr's experience/condition.

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

Having had 2 spinal fusions. L3-S1, I can tell you that IF it was possible to eliminate the fusion-I would have tried it.

My condition was exceptionally traumatic initially and the discs weren't the reason for the fusion. The second fusion was a result of extreme stenosis and hypermobility of the level above the first operation.

Generally by the time you NEED a fusion, there is so much arthritis present the joints are the issue and not the disc itself.I wish you the best of luck. I had my first in 1998 and the second in March of 2009. I feel "better"-no more intractable sciatic nerve pain-but still NO WHERE even remotely close to ever doing normal activities without chronic pain.

PM me also if I can lend assistance or advise you of what to expect-surgery wise. And whatever you do-DO NOT TRUST a chiropractor manipulating your cervical spine.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

Chronic back pain can ruin ones life. I had a Microdiscectomy back in 1998 and have lived pretty well since with only minor problems every now and again. When it comes to back issues it is almost a crap shoot on whether you will recover fully or have various percentages of pain for the rest of your life. I feel for you lwilliams as the decision is a big one to make. Go with the procedure that will allow you the most recourse in case it doesn't go well the first time.

 

[LWILLIAMS]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

The first doctor an orthopedic surgeon suggested the fusion so I went to a second opinion dr who was a neurosurgeon and he said the fusion or the artificial disk were two possibilities. The doctors did say I could wait until I absolutely couldnt stand it anymore then go from there with one of the procedures. After talking with alot of people on the fusion I have kind of decided that is not the way I want to go. I guess the question is how long do I keep avoiding the things my family and I like to do and keep eating those damn pain pills. If only there was an easy button.

 

[shooter65]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

Go with the fusion. Pain pills are BAD for you.

 

[zink14]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

I had a double disk replacement C5-C6 in 2006, I am not 100% somewhere around 85-90% but it is a hell of a lot better than the partial paralysis of my left arm...I recommend a replacement over a fusion.

I have trouble shooting big magnums (338 lapua) other than that I have about 90% range of motion and little pain.

Zink

 

[GardDog]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

I'm 1.5 years out from L4-L5, L5-L6 work and 95% back in the game. IOD in January flared up issues with C5-C6 that I did not know was there. I've been waiting for 2 months to get in to see the 1st string neuro-master that fixed my lower back. I'm seeing him this week and foresee trying epidural injections first, then surgery. But, that's speculation until I see him this week. With the pain / numbness that is ever increasing in my neck, arm & shoulder, if he suggests leaches & red-hot pokers, I'm ready for some relief. The last range visit proved to be difficult getting into a prone position & ever worsening. The Snipers Hide support group is a great place to vent.

 

[fx77]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

Cannot compare indications, pain, outcomes of lumbar and cervical surgeries..Apples and Oranges as it were.

 

[GardDog]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

I called it. Doctor advises to try epidural steroid injection first, then replacement surgery, if the injection doesn't help. He is first rate and fixed my lumbar issues, so I have faith in him & his abilities.

 

[KClark]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

ACDF, now I can feel my fingers again and my wrist, elbow and shoulder don't feel like I fell out of a helicopter.

 

[GardDog]

Re: Artificial disk in the neck

First ESI (Epidural Steroid Injection) scheduled in a couple hours. Long needles aren't my favorite, but right now... ANYTHING to ease the pain is welcome. Leaches, hot pokers, witch doctors... I'm willing to try it.