I'm not sure a doctor would remove a healthy disc just in case. While fusion does hasten the deterioration of adjacent discs, and a multi level lumbar fusion may actually be contra indicated, would it be prudent to stabalize the fused segments with an ADR? Good question.
Unfortunately for me, Dr. B would not remove my heriated L2/3 because it was not a pain generator but has since become one. He did not want to do a four level and if necessary was considering dividing it into two surgeries, something I was not willing to do so I did not protest, insist or question his three level decision. Would he have if I did? Too late but an interesting question.
Again, I enlist the help of Mark. Have you ever encountered a healthy disc being removed preemptively? Has the question ever arisen?
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3 level Prodisc adr S1-L3, Oct 12, 2005
Dr. B in Bogen, Germany
Severe nerve damage in left leg, still working on it
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