Hybrid Multi-level fusion and artificial disc replacement c-spin

[teg]

Hey everyone,

I just read an article about a local spine surgeon who proclaims the he is the first one to perform a hybrid procedure on the c-spine. He said that this procedure has been performed in Europe, but he is the first spine surgeon in the U.S. to perform a hybrid multi-level cervical artificial disc with fusion. He also said that the procedure is the first viable treatment option to resolve a combination of degenerative disc disease and herniated discs, with normal discs interspersed.

The procedure was performed on 16 Jan 2013 on the following levels:
C3-4: Bryan disc
C4-5: Healthy disc
c5-6: Fused due to severely unstable degenerated disc
c6-7: Bryan disc due to herniated disc

I am posting this because I thought that the hybrid procedure was already being performed in the U.S. can anyone clear this up for me? Thanks in advance.

Thelma

[mmglobal]

Thelma, I have seen several hybrids performed in the US. However, I've never seen one with a Bryan disc because I don't know a surgeon who would consider using a Bryan. Many of the surgeons I know started with the Bryan because it was the first viable cervical ADR. However, as soon as an alternative was available, they jumped ship because the Bryan procedure is very difficult, complex and prone to complications. These issues have been solved or greatly improved by the later designs.

Mark

[teg]

Mark,

Thanks for the reply. The spine surgeon who made the "pioneering" claim is considered to be a top spine surgeon for the DC,MD, VA area. I left that practice in 2010 and found better interventional pain management.

The medical schools in the area also perform hybrid surgeries. I just found this out when I was talking to a friend of mine who had surgery at Georgetown U hospital.