My 2-Level Disc Replacement to stand straight again (Fabian’s Story)

Fabian is 45 and lives in Sydney, Australia. His lower back pain began in mid-2015 and quickly progressed. Later that year, his local neurosurgeons told him he wasn’t a candidate for surgery, and to continue with physiotherapy.

Over the next two years Fabian showed some good results with physiotherapy, however was making sacrifices with his work and quality of life. In this time he had 3 setbacks. He reached the point where conservative treatment was no longer effective.

One of the remarkable distinctions in Fabian’s case is he developed a “lateral shift” in his back. He clearly leant to the left or the right when standing and walking. At times it was near impossible for him to stand straight without bracing himself.

He contacted SkyGen directly and we helped him with an assessment of his case by Dr. Thomas Bierstedt and Dr. Bernd Illerhaus of the ONZ Centre in Dusseldorf. He knew their reputation for motion-preserving spine surgery and wanted to see if he was a candidate. He was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease in L4/5 and L5/S1.

Our surgeons advised for a total discectomy by anterior surgical approach and M6-L Disc Replacement at L4/5 and L5/S1.

We assisted Fabian with his pre-travel tests organised through his trusted GP, and he soon received the “Green Light” from the surgeons in Germany and he was given clearance to proceed with the trip.

Below you can visualise the M6 Artificial Disc Replacement in Fabian’s Lower Back

After returning home we received the following email from Fabian’s support partner Adriana:

Hi Jake & Team,

There is another thing we didn’t mention. You may choose to add it to your web site if you like but don’t have to. We are very grateful to Dr. Bierstedt that he persevered with Fabian’s surgery. He exchanged that normally it takes 1-2 hours for double ADR. But Fabian’s took 3.5 hours. Why? Due to Fabian’s unusual blood vessels location. At 1 of the levels (not sure which one, either L4/L5 or L5/S1) it was difficult to push vessels aside… that caused excessive bleeding. His blood was collected, cleaned and put back in his body using their Cell Saver device – how amazing is that! ☆☆☆☆☆ That is why we are so grateful that his surgeon (and his colleagues in the theatre) didn’t give up on him, but he continued even through this complication and saved him.

Thank you again for everything.

Adriana

*Please read: Every patient is unique and responds to medical treatment differently. Factors influencing outcome from spine treatment and surgery can include overall patient health, underlying medical conditions, degree and duration of existing spine/nerve damage, surgeon experience, technology and surgical techniques used, post-op rehabilitation protocol, and patient diligence in continuing rehab once returning home. We encourage patients to return to a healthy and active lifestyle, and the introduction of new physical activities should be discussed with medical professionals during the recovery phase.

Written by Spine Connection [PR]

This content is copyright and property of Spine Connection, the first medical travel organisation for patients with spine damage. Our mission is to provide faster, more affordable and superior spine treatment for patients living anywhere in the world.

Patient Stories