Freedom Lumbar Disc Surgery - Anyone else?

Dan · #1 (**permalink**) 03-24-2010, 09:05 PM

I am currently waiting to get into the Freedom Lumbar Disc vs. Prodisc L in Charlotte, NC. I have a torn disc at L5-S1 verified by Discogram. I have no other disc or spine disorders and have been told I fit the criteria for being in the study. I am really hoping to get the Freedom Lumbar Disc but I suppose I'll be happy with either one at this point. Right now, we are just waiting on the study to begin. They think I will be able to have surgery in April or May 2010. I am so ready to have this done after dealing with the pain non-surgically for 7 yrs. now. I am new to this forum, so all my information isn't up yet. I will post more later.

-Dan

mmglobal · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2010, 09:19 AM

Dan, I have 2 Charite's in my lumbar spine, now 7.5 years post-op. I personally know literally hundreds of ADR patients. IMHO, if you are a good candidate and you get a good job done, you stand a high chance of success, regardless of the brand of disc.

Is your potential surgeon and experienced ADR surgeon?

Mark

Dan · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2010, 02:26 AM

Mark,

Thank you. That is good news to hear. Yes, my surgeon is an experienced ADR surgeon. He is head of the Neurology department at the facility and has been performing various ADR surgeries for years. I believe he has even worked on developing new discs and procedures. I haven't actually gotten to meet him yet, but have heard very good things about him. I will let everyone know more when I get more information about my surgery date.

Dan

Crystal33 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 05:41 AM

Dan,
Have been giving painful torn disc 8 months so far to heal myself.
If your disc is in reasonable condition, apart from the tear, there are emerging minimal treatments aimed sealing tears and avoiding ADR or fusion.

The fibrin trial is one. Biostat® System - Spinal Restoration

Increasing research is going into anular healing and repair and will bear fruit in coming years. Unfortunately there is not the same level of $ per patient incentive driving it as found in ADR and fusion.

Dan · #5 (**permalink**) 04-08-2010, 04:08 AM

Thanks Crystal.

I have only heard a little bit so far about the fibrin injections. I was being considered for a study where they inject juvenile chondrocytes donated from Children's growth plates. I think fibrin was involved in that study. Unfortunately, the degree of the tear I have disqualified me for taking part in the study. I have been giving my back 7 years to heal and have tried all kinds of things short of surgery. I can no longer take the chronic pain and inability to do the things a 29 year old guy should be able to do. Thanks for the information. I will do some more research on the fibrin. What kinds of things have you done to treat your injury thus far?