37 years, 185 pounds, 5'11. I am in Texas.
The ADR surgeons I have seen have mainly recommended a hybrid (fusion L5/S1 and ADR L4/5). My L4/5 MRI showed 2mm annular disc bulge with mild bilateral foramina stenosis and minimal flattening of the ventral thecal sac.
The neurosurgeons recommend mainly a TLIF (unilateral) or Microdisctectomy for the L5/S1 only and would not consider the L4/5.
Based on my research, think the hybrid is the way to go but think if I can get 5-10 years from my L4/5 the treatments available then will be better than they are now.
So that leads me down the path of just treating the L5/S1 for now. My insurance doesn't cover ADR but will cover most of the cost if done in conjunction with a fusion. I like the Kineflex but it is not FDA approved.
Will see one more surgeon next week then will try to make a decision. That will be 4 surgeons seen this year.
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2008 Back pain stared (M, 37, 185#, 5'11")
2009 MRI, Bilateral SI Joint Injection, PT, L4/5 Bi Lateral Facet Injection
2010 Acupuncture, Discogram, L4/5 and L5/S1 Bi Lateral Facet Injection, PT, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 Fibrin Sealant Injections
2011 ?
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