Posted , 5 users are following.
What qualifies one to have an ACDF or an ADR? I read that an artificial disk replacement preserves neck motion and has many benefits compared to a ACDF, but most traditional spine surgeries for the neck is an ACDF and a preferred method for surgery, why is that? Help!
0 likes, 7 replies
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mike09523 branden12
Posted
Hi,
I should think the only difference is probably the costs involved between the two methods. The fusion rather than replacement is also probably "tried and tested".
The favorite catchphrase for cost cutting. I find it hard to believe that one is for nhs and the other (adr) is for private.
Mike.
branden12 mike09523
Posted
So something like the ADR would not be covered by insurance since it is a newer procedure? I assume it would be more expensive than an ACDF as well.
Iwan branden12
Posted
ive had a ACDF from C4/C7 the reason why I didn't have a ADR is because i had degeneration at multi levels and it would've have kept my neck stable hope this helps
her220 branden12
Posted
Cannot give an honest opinion about your concern, yet hope someone else can give you good feedback. This forum is such a helpful way to know of others' situation, I would love to write a short story (in hopes of helping someone else) about what I have endured. I am hesitant about my needed neck surgery considering the magnitude of my spine surgeries since 2010. Good luck to you always.
Old_MG_driver branden12
Posted
I think "what qualifies" is the state of the vertebra and the capability of the specialist doing the job. I have a friend who had the fusion bit and it seems to be ok but does load the next joints either side as they have to now do the movement bit. I had disc replacement and the specialist didn't even mention fusion. He simply said the discs were worn out and he would replace them. I had previous doctors and experts telling me it couldn't be done and there were various reasons not to go near the neck joints but when i found the right man he said, this needs doing, how soon do you want it.
I thin the main reason not to do it is the lack of people capable of doing it.
North Tees hospital Nr Stockton on Tees for NHS and Nuffield Tees for private. The neck team work at both places doing the same jobs.
branden12 Old_MG_driver
Posted
Appreciate the reply. How are you doing after your disc replacement in terms of symptoms? Hope you are doing well. One major drawback is the different metal allergies that I have so getting the right instrumentation from a disc replacement will be difficult since they are mixed with several different metal alloys.
I'd hate to lose mobility after my fusion even though I heard a one-level had better mobility than a two-level. I did hear about the stress on the adjacent levels that occurs with a fusion compared to a disc replacement. My surgeon didn't even discuss disc replacement with me ever so I guess he doesn't qualify or prefers the old fusion method. Which disc device did you and your surgeon go with?
her220 branden12
Posted