Question~~~

[AnnOdom]

I briefly checked the forums, and didn't see anything relating to the CD HORIZON SEXTANT SYSTEM. My DH's L4-L5 are bone on bone, having excruciating pain in left leg, and his neurosurgeon is recommending surgery, using this system. Unfortunately, it's a Workers' Comp case, and the orthopod, who saw him for an Independent Medical Exam as previously said he didn't need surgery. He had severe onset of pain Nov 30th, spent the next 15 days and nights in his recliner as he couldn't go upstairs. I got his pain management doc to change his muscle relaxant from Skelaxin, which wasn't helping, to Valium, which has helped. He also changed his pain med from Darvocet N-100 to Hydrocodone 10-325, and increased the dosage of Neuroton his VA doc had ordered, from 100 mgm to 300 mgm 3 times a day. His left leg gives way unexpectedly, so he's prone to falls. This will be his 5th surgery. His first was in '81, and he did great, working in the oil field industry, carrying heavy equipment with no problem. He re-injured his back in late '91 and had surgery in May, '92. He did well until June, '98 when he developed foot drop and had emergency surgery, and he did well until 2004 when he had urgent surgery to remove extruded disc material, foramenotomies, etc. He did well until this sudden onset of very severe pain last Nov. Of course, over the years, if he over-did, he would have aching of his low back or down into his legs, but he was able to do whatever needed to be done around the house.

I just want to know if anyone has any experience with this fusion system and how they've done since.
Ann

[mmglobal]

Ann, I moved your post to the main forum. I hope you don't mind.

The sextant system has been in use for many years. When it was introduced, it was one of the less invasive systems, allowing them to install the posterior instrumentation without doing as much collateral damage.

If your surgeon is a good mechanic and he has a lot of experience with the system, and the diagnosis is good, and he's a good candidate for the surgery; that's as good as it gets. I'm sorry that he is in the WC system... that really limits your options.

Has anyone discussed artificial discs or other alternatives to fusion?

All the best,

Mark

[AnnOdom]

Thanks for your response. Dan has an excellent, older neurosurgeon who's always stayed on the cutting edge with newer technology. I'm a retired R.N. and was Service Coordinator for a neurosurgeon at the O.R. I worked at down south of Houston, so I know a good neurosurgeon when I see one Nothing has been mentioned about artificial discs, but Dan has always had problems with osteophytes forming in the foramen areas so he has always needed foramenotomies with his last 2 surgeries. The disc is completely gone at the L4-L5 level, and we believe this has made his spine unstable. Yeah, WC sucks! Orthopods have always hated having to share back surgeries with neurosurgeons! But the neurosurgeons are much more gentle in working with the tissues than orthopods are. Trust me, I've seen both at work. I am so thankful that I found this site At least now I have a place where I can ask questions, and rant and rave, if I need too, LOL! I'll be praying for those who're having problems with their backs. I have a dear friend in Wis. who's son is in terrible pain from unsuccessful back surgeries. I've been praying that he would find a competent surgeon who could help him as he's practically living on pain meds and working. Apparently, he had screws put into his back several years ago, maybe before they were approved for that use. Anyhow, his name is Tony, and prayers for him would God bless y'all!
Ann