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Complications and Risk
To begin, I must say, that I am not a doctor, just an
ADR patient who has been given the privilege of working with some of the
best ADR doctors in the world, and helping thousands of patients find a
solution for their pain. I will not dig up the worst cases of other
qualified surgeons to scare you towards my surgeon, nor will I charge you
for my consultation or opinions. I will however try to put the reality of
ADR into words you can understand, which will help you to begin your
conversations with the surgeons about your specific situation.
Typical Risks
As with any surgery the risk of infection
exists. This risk is not increased with ADR or related procedures.
Stenum Hospital will utilize the latest technology to prevent
and treat complications.
Abdominal Approach
The abdominal approach utilized for lumbar ADR
presents some measure of risk which requires a high level of expertise and
experience to minimize. Critical nerves, veins and arteries must be
carefully avoided or retracted to provide access to the spine. Damage to
these structures can result in complications, which may range from ejaculatory
dysfunction and
urinary problems, to life threatening bleeding. Should vascular
complications occur it is important that a qualified vascular surgeon is
consulted.
Subsidence and Implant Migration
As noted in the both European and FDA studies, some
plate subsidence (sinking into the vertebrae) and migration will take
place in a small percentage of ADR implantations. Although with the
improved design of the Maverick implant, now being used at Stenum
Hospital, these issues have for the most part been eliminated.
From the FDA results, "Device failures were defined as a reoperation,
revision, removal, or supplemental fixation of the device. There were 10
patients (4.9%) in the Charité group and 8 patients (8.1%) in the BAK group with
device failures."
One Maverick Study states "Prosthesis
dislocation has been reported for Prodisc and SB Charité
prostheses but not with the Maverick implant"
ADR Studies
The FDA study was limited to a very defined group of prime
single level candidates, which excluded factors like multi-level, previous
surgeries, age, and obesity. Your situation, however, and those treated by the doctors
in Germany, are not always so simple. The risks are increased with multi-level
and combination ADR/Fusion procedures. Yet the results of the Stenum ADR team
were significantly better with Charite and now excellent with Maverick.
Patients who leave the hospital against the doctors
recommendation, ride in or drive cars too soon after the surgery, or fail to
perform the recommended exercises, increase their risk of such events.
Often these events are blamed on "improper placement" or "implant size
selection", when in fact, it is difficult to determine the true cause.
Make sure you discuss the specific risk levels involved in
your case, with the surgeon, prior to your surgery.
Pain Relief
It is important to understand that while pain relief is
likely your main concern, the ADR solution is primarily to restore disc height
(relieving pressure to nerves) and remove damaged, sometimes painful, disc
tissue; while maintaining flexibility, thus limiting damage to adjacent levels.
Existing nerve damage, painful osteoarthritic degeneration of the facet joints,
and muscle spasms may be a source of continued pain in patients with disc
replacement surgery. Once the functional defect is corrected, pain relief can be
instant or may take months to be of significance. Some pain will likely continue
or return from time to time. Do not over react, this is normal. Look to the
overall results and progress over time. Be realistic about your expectations and
take it slow.
If you wish to discuss these issues further, feel
free to call me at, toll free 866-544-8252 pst.
Jim Rider
or
Contact Stenum
Hospital
for evaluation and scheduling
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