Lumbar artificial discs below Scoliosis fusion

Tableone · #1 (**permalink**) 09-21-2014, 12:22 AM

Has anyone had Scoliosis surgery with a long fusion and then had artificial lumbar discs placed BELOW their fusion for Degenerative Disc Disease? I need ANY and all information on this from anywhere in the world as I am planning this surgery for myself.

I want to specify that this pertains to people who have had multiple levels of their spine fused for Scoliosis and then come down with lumbar DDD as a result of the Scoliosis surgery.

I am desperately trying to avoid the conventional treatment for previously fused Scoliosis patients, which is fusion to the sacrum. I'm bone on bone now, and need to act soon so my vertebrae don't start fusing themselves.
I need two ADR's: L-4-5 and L5-S1.

This is a complex case and I need to know which surgeon has done this surgery on patients like myself before.

Thank you,

Maria · #2 (**permalink**) 09-21-2014, 05:21 PM

Sorry to read about the complexity of your case.
I would address Mark Mintzer with your questions (mmglobal) or write to him separately as he would likely be the person that could help with referrals and information you're seeking.

Good luck to you in your continuing spinal endeavors.

Maria

Tableone · #3 (**permalink**) 09-22-2014, 11:05 PM

Hi:

Thanks for writing back. I have written to Mark twice, but not received a reply. Maybe there was some technical problem or his email has changed. I hope he gets the message soon, I really need surgery ASAP, and it is a special case.

Thank you,

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 09-23-2014, 07:46 AM

I hope Mark will get back w/you soon as well. You might try addressing a post to him here with your questions as another way to get his attention.

Tableone · #5 (**permalink**) 09-24-2014, 10:35 PM

Maria: Hello and thanks for answering again. I was able to make private contact with the surgeon that had experience with this particular situation.

Thanks again,

mmglobal · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2014, 12:50 AM

Tableone... sorry about the missed communication.

I did research for a client who had a scoliosis fusion at age 17 from T2 down to L4, so the only functioning disc level was L5-S1. She was in her late 40's at the time and L5/S1 was pretty thoroughly collapsed.

I understand that when these long scoli fusions are extended to the sacrum, that the potential problems are very substantial. Motion preservation technology is pretty attractive here. There is much to discuss, but too much to type... please contact me.... My phone number is on the website contact us pages... ispine and globalpatientnetwork.com