[tomyco]

#11976

I met with two well respected neurosurgeons with different opinions. After reviewing my MRI I was told that I would need a L5 S1 Fusion. The second surgeon said he would recommend a Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Both surgeons said that the rest of my disks were in excellent condition, just the L5S1 disk. below is the MRI report;

Conclusion: Chronic bilateral L5 spondylolysis contributes to grade 1 L5 S1 spondylolisthesis and moderate to severe left and less so right foraminal stenosis. Slight mass effect upon the L5 nerve roots. No soft disc component.

The surgeon who recommended the ALIF was very confident in his opinion and said he has done hundreds of them.

Is hundreds of them alot?

I would prefer the ALIF which is less invasive. Should I get a third opinion?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#11981

My opinion is that the ALIF is significantly more invasive with less success rate. I would consult a spine surgeon (fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon) as a third opinion.

Dr. Corenman

[tomyco]

#12015

I do plan on seeing a orthopaedic surgeon in two weeks, I do like the idea of the ALIF less recovery time, but I want to do the procedure that will work best for me.

Question tho, The surgeon who recommended the ALIF said he has done hundreds of them, Is that a lot?

Thnnk you!

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#12017

An ALIF does not have “less recovery time”. An ALIF surgery has the same recovery time as a TLIF or a PLIF.

“Hundreds” of ALIFs performed is good. Check the section “questions to ask your spine surgeon” to know other questions to ask your potential surgeon.

Dr. Corenman

[Author]

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