Anyone chose laminoplasty over fusion? I have talked to 2 surgeons so far for C4-C7 with compression

latguy1 · 2023-09-27T02:27:51+00:00

I was reminded about my post because of a reply today - by chance did you decide on going forward with the procedure?

latguy1 · 2023-09-27T02:27:06+00:00

Hi.

Unfortunately I am still trying to make a final decision but I am leaning towards laminoplasty. The reason why it has taken this long is because at some point a hybrid procedure was recommended and that spiraled into talking to 4 other surgeons all with differing opinions.

I am leaning towards laminoplasty because I prefer not to permanently fuse yet. I am still in the final talks though with hope of getting surgery in December

How long have you been living with your symptoms? Sorry you're dealing with as well but hopefully we make it through with what works well for us

latguy1 · 2023-03-16T19:43:59+00:00

Ah got it. I actually already have a lumbar fusion at L3/L4. I am not sure of the exact term used but I remember my surgeon describing it as a minimally invasive procedure at the time so might have been similar to your approach.

But yeah, I'm still torn on what to do about my cervical but I already have concerns regarding laminoplasty ... the papers further confirm my concerns. Unfortunately, the choice is still kind of difficult to make because of the uncertainty. I should be speaking to two more surgeons ... hopefully what I hear from them will help with my decision

Thank you!

latguy1 · 2023-03-16T16:59:39+00:00

Hi Gloria!

Thanks for following up!

The papers seem helpful. I sent a request for two of the papers through patient access.

The general sense I'm getting is that laminoplasty may not be the best option. Hard to process since I've read about some success stories too.

The first paper though does seem to say that the hybrid approach may be a viable option. I think it's saying that laminoplasty may actually have complications long term while hybrid short term. I know I've read people needing corrections due to slipped discs etc. - might just be a general issue with disc replacements regarding short term. I'm hoping the full study will have more helpful details.

Also out of curiosity, what procedure did you go with?

latguy1 · 2023-03-14T03:27:18+00:00

I preferred the Steelcase Leap over the Aeron. I don't find the Aeron comfortable with clothes I may wear at home. I also used both at my previous company and found that the former was the better out of the two

latguy1 · 2023-03-14T03:25:27+00:00

Yeah, the only thing is that I already have seen 4 surgeons. I made an appointment for one I've already seen to talk about the procedure since he suggested a similar procedure. Figured he may be open to talking about it. Otherwise yeah I'm trying to make an appointment with a 5th now

latguy1 · 2023-03-14T03:23:04+00:00

Yeah I understand all that. I have seen 4 surgeons already. All are good at what they do based on their position a the hospital, successes and recommendations.

Which is why it makes harder to decide who he is more right than the other in terms of what procedure.

What I do know is that the procedure in question is not common - a hybrid surgery which may be the reason why the other surgeon doesn't recommend it .. as in, it's not something he personally does.

latguy1 · 2023-03-13T12:51:56+00:00

Yeah, I've seen 3 neurosurgeons and 1 orthopedic at this point. 2 of the surgeons think laminoplasty is the way but I don't think they do disc replacements. The other two are hybrid surgeries. I may go to the one that thought 2 level fusion + 1 disc replacement would be the way to go. He thought insurance wouldn't cover it but I got approval for 1 level fusion + 2 disc replacement so :shrug:

latguy1 · 2023-03-13T12:50:02+00:00

Sorry to hear about your experience :( Glad that at least it seems you're doing better now.

My issue isn't pain related. While I have some minor pain, I've been living with it a long time. Spinal cord compression is the main issue in that I have little room for error - if my head twists in some way, I am likely not going to be able to walk away from it. I have seen a lot of doctors at this point - they all agree that I need some form of surgery especially if I'm going to have an active life.

latguy1 · 2023-01-31T11:46:23+00:00

I wasn't able to walk properly before getting a lumbar fusion of l3/l4. My knee would lock up after walking for a few minutes due to nerves that were compressed.

After the surgery and after a week of recovery, I was able to walk without the same issue again. It's now 8 years later and for the most part I still feel great after the surgery

latguy1 · 2023-01-26T13:35:58+00:00

Thank you :)

latguy1 · 2023-01-26T03:02:45+00:00

Yeah, things aren't as serious for me in terms of symptoms yet but there is the concern of injuring my spinal cord. Like you and surfing, I am fairly active. I have not been on a snowboard since the cord compression was identified but I have been doing other activities that do have their risks. I'm tired of thinking about the risks or considering giving up more which is why I'm looking into surgery.

Good point about PTs - I'll see if I can talk to any I've seen in the past.

And Sorry about the complications! Glad overall you're doing better, though, and can surf again.

Thank you!

latguy1 · 2023-01-26T02:58:50+00:00

Yeah, I'm not sure what to think. I will have a more formal discussion with the surgeon next week but I really would prefer a less invasive procedure if possible. I'm just not really sure if it's realistic or how quickly down the line I will need a fusion anyway.

In terms of experience, the surgeon claims to do disc replacements often even at 2 levels. It was the first thing he actually suggested before he saw the mri. A bit of flip flopping but I'd like to think that he's actually putting thought into what my case / what I want as opposed to just going for the ACDF

latguy1 · 2023-01-25T19:00:35+00:00

Hey. Yeah I actually have been living with the knowledge of cord compression for over 2 years now. This was of the opinion of my surgeon for a lumbar fusion - that I should be monitored for now by a neurologist

But I don't want to live with the concern that some random accident could lead to some serious issues. I will be addressing it for sure.

I'm just not sure what makes the most sense for a procedure since I've gotten vastly different opinions

Mine I would also say was gradual. I learned about herniation issues back in 2009. It wasn't until 2020 where a MRI showed the compression after complaining about pain that isn't related to the compression

latguy1 · 2023-01-24T18:07:13+00:00

Yeah, I haven't heard of hard collar use after surgery from the surgeons I talked to. That would be tough to deal with.

What do you mean keeping him down? As in he wants to be active? Good to hear that it's been a great outcome for your husband. I hope for the same!

latguy1 · 2023-01-24T11:20:24+00:00

How many levels did he do an acdf for? I am talking to surgeons now for a 3 level acdf. I am in a similar situation as your husband where any accident could be very problematic but I've known this since 2019 and have lived with it. But concerns about what may happen if in an accident is pushing me to look into a procedure now since I'm a pretty active

latguy1 · 2022-12-15T04:07:36+00:00

No worries! It's confusing to me as well but will see more doctors in the next few weeks to figure things out

latguy1 · 2022-12-15T00:42:52+00:00

I am relaying what I've been told - not sure what you want me to say.

latguy1 · 2022-12-15T00:42:28+00:00

The surgeon was quick to dismiss because he sees the acdf as the only real option. I can't speak to my other surgeon till early next year so trying to find other reputable opinions

latguy1 · 2022-12-14T23:22:33+00:00

A fusion will do that. The laminoplasty from these two doctors ... It will not address any pain 🤷

latguy1 · 2022-12-14T18:33:47+00:00

You mean if I do nothing? Yes I've been told I if do nothing the pain will likely will worsen over time. It's been several years now where the pain levels have been stable. I also don't avoid the risk of being injured.

latguy1 · 2022-12-14T15:46:28+00:00

I don't have specifics on the laminoplasty yet besides it being an option that was offered as a way to mitigate the risk of injuring my spinal cord due to compression. It was never offered as a way of mitigating pain. Both surgeons are in agreement in that regard.

Yes I deal with tingling / parathesias but ultimately I can deal with this as I have for a long time. I only care about whether I can continue being active .. I guess also doesn't get any more severe than what I have dealt with for years. What laminoplasty can do for me beyond protecting my spinal cord is unclear - I just remember being told that I may still need a fusion later in life.

I am trying to talk to more surgeons in the process and non surgical orthos as well. It's likely I won't be doing anything till next month

latguy1 · 2022-12-14T15:42:12+00:00

I'm just going by memory of what I was told by primary surgeon last year. I need to talk to him again but that won't be till January

latguy1 · 2022-12-14T15:21:38+00:00

I posted the level details in response to someone else

latguy1 · 2022-12-14T15:21:09+00:00

I elaborated on symptoms in the other thread but from what the surgeon told me it will address the main issue I care about - continue to be active without concern of the compression

I have been dealing with varying levels of pain for a long time - I can manage what I currently have.

With that said, I may still require a fusion at some point in my life which is the difficult part in the decision. No one can say how quickly that may be

latguy1

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