Hi everyone, I am trying to decide between surgeons and have two different opinions so far. I will also see others, and I suppose that in the long run it does not matter - just choose a surgeon and go with their opinion. Any input is appreciated...
I have two differing opinions from two of the best surgeons in NYC area. I hesitate to mention names as I would like unbiased opinions from you all. Here goes:
OPINION ONE: Fuse T11 to L4 or L5 -- This surgeon I saw recently. He also said that I would probably need another fusion to sacrum in about 10 years when there is more degeneration in L4/L5 vertebrae. This surgeon would only do posterior - even if to sacrum needed to be done upon further inspection of MRI of L4/L5 vertebrae.
OPINION TWO: Fuse T5 to sacrum -- This surgeon originally stated T11 to Sacrum (1.5 years ago), but revised a year later (currently) when I progressed 10 degrees. He stated that he believed I would have problems if he did not go higher up to T5. At the time I did not question why to sacrum - my curves are low. This surgeon also wants to do two ops from front and rear to obtain better fusion to sacrum.
I am wondering which approach seems better. I would rather do everything now (Opinion 2) and not have to go back for more fusion in 10 or so years (Opinion 1). However : Is mobility so impaired when fusing to sacrum (?) that it would be beneficial to keep that bit of mobility for about 10 more years? Also, do you really get a better fusion when going in from A/P rather than only P? I am fine with doing the most up front even if it is more traumatic, so as not to have to redo any surgery - I just want this whole thing to be over.
Thanks for any opinions!
I have two differing opinions from two of the best surgeons in NYC area. I hesitate to mention names as I would like unbiased opinions from you all. Here goes:
OPINION ONE: Fuse T11 to L4 or L5 -- This surgeon I saw recently. He also said that I would probably need another fusion to sacrum in about 10 years when there is more degeneration in L4/L5 vertebrae. This surgeon would only do posterior - even if to sacrum needed to be done upon further inspection of MRI of L4/L5 vertebrae.
OPINION TWO: Fuse T5 to sacrum -- This surgeon originally stated T11 to Sacrum (1.5 years ago), but revised a year later (currently) when I progressed 10 degrees. He stated that he believed I would have problems if he did not go higher up to T5. At the time I did not question why to sacrum - my curves are low. This surgeon also wants to do two ops from front and rear to obtain better fusion to sacrum.
I am wondering which approach seems better. I would rather do everything now (Opinion 2) and not have to go back for more fusion in 10 or so years (Opinion 1). However : Is mobility so impaired when fusing to sacrum (?) that it would be beneficial to keep that bit of mobility for about 10 more years? Also, do you really get a better fusion when going in from A/P rather than only P? I am fine with doing the most up front even if it is more traumatic, so as not to have to redo any surgery - I just want this whole thing to be over.
Thanks for any opinions!
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