need some help

[southflgirl]

Is there anyone from the South Florida area, or who knows of a spine specialist that you would recommend? I've been to one specialist...his answer was physical therapy, and if i'm not feeling better more medicine and surgery. The spine specialist wasn't very much help, and I'm interested in seeking a second opinion. I just visited my family doc (who is more helpful) today, and he has me going for and MRI on Thursday. I have a mild S-curve, and C5-C6 herniated disc with muscle spasms in my neck and left shoulder. I'm hoping it is not more bad news. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please let me know. Thank you, Anna.

[katblack]

Florida spine institute. Dr. Moreno. http://www.floridaspineinstitute.com...sp?did=1&bid=1

[LindaRacine]

Kat...

I don't understand how you could be having pedicle screws and no rods. Are you having a bunch of artificial discs implanted? What about correcting your curve(s)? Pedicle screws don't correct anything.

--Linda

[LindaRacine]

Thanks. I'll be anxious to hear more.

--Linda

[LindaRacine]

Hi...

I'm surprised that I haven't heard of it before. If you haven't already done so, be sure to get the names and phone numbers for a few patients that had similar curves and had the same surgery.

--Linda

[LindaRacine]

I am having 6 disc replaced in the lumbar region, reason for the anterior surgery. During this part of it, he's also shaving off part of my left hip bone. Not to use it to fuse with but because it's worn out completely.

He's using this new plastic disc to replace them with and he says that new bone will eventually grow over it.
Then a week later, flip me over and do the posterior part from my neck all the way down using screws and wires.
He said no rods, I asked him twice. He said he has now done thousands of these types without using rods and I'm a good candidate for his method which he teaches.

I will definitely post more about it as I get the info.

I'm glad I found this forum. i have been reading every ones stories and stuff and am finding it all very helpful.
I wish I had found this sooner. Years of suffering and no one to talk to about it at all so if I seem like I'm post whoring, I apologize. It's nice to finally find a place and people that understand.

Would you ask him if he has anything published on this? I can't find anything. If he's done thousands, then there definitely should be something. Thanks.

--Linda

[LindaRacine]

Kat...

I've discussed this with two local surgeons and neither have heard of this type of procedure. Do you have an appointment scheduled before your surgery? If so, would it be possible to get a picture of an x-ray of someone who has had this done?

--Linda

[Karen Ocker]

Re: Dr. Moreno

This is from his web site:

"The most common surgical treatment for scoliosis is a spine fusion using special stainless steel rods, hooks, and a bone graft. The rods are attached to the spine with hooks and the curved portion of the spine is carefully straightened. Then, small strips of bone graft are placed over the spine to fuse it in a straight position. As the bone graft heals over the next several months, the spine becomes solid and will not curve again."

I looked at the National Library of Medicine for something he has published -regarding his new technique- but found none. Usually, a Doctor will share his findings with the medical community for scrutiny.

This might be the technique he is using:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_docsum
Karen