Both medical opinions I got would not offer disc replacement for me, although they wouldn't directly say, I belive due to my age (55). I believe as you do recovery time is shorter, mobility is greater, and cost is equal or less than fusion with disc replacement.
Age most likely had nothing to do with it. There is almost NO reason that a competent Ortho or Neuro Spine Surgeon couldn't offer you a disc replacement over a fusion. Unless you have a complex problem, condition or compromised pathology - there is no reason to fuse one or two levels. Age has been studied to up to age 69 in the largest most comprehensive level I (randomized and prospective) clinical study that showed artificial cervical arthroplasty was as good or better than fusion. The most likely reason it wasn't offered to you is that the surgeon gets paid less money doing arthroplasty than fusion.
Dr Kimble what is your recommendation for multiple disc replacements? I have cervical issues at several levels
Both medical opinions I got would not offer disc replacement for me, although they wouldn't directly say, I belive due to my age (55). I believe as you do recovery time is shorter, mobility is greater, and cost is equal or less than fusion with disc replacement.
Age most likely had nothing to do with it. There is almost NO reason that a competent Ortho or Neuro Spine Surgeon couldn't offer you a disc replacement over a fusion. Unless you have a complex problem, condition or compromised pathology - there is no reason to fuse one or two levels. Age has been studied to up to age 69 in the largest most comprehensive level I (randomized and prospective) clinical study that showed artificial cervical arthroplasty was as good or better than fusion.
The most likely reason it wasn't offered to you is that the surgeon gets paid less money doing arthroplasty than fusion.