Geralyn,
Perform a Google Scholar search for "Adjacent Segmental Disease" following cervical or lumbar fusion. Not sure which section of the spine you are referencing. There is a plethora of articles and studies referencing this. For the cervical spine, with a single level fusion, the revision rate is approximately 2.5% per year (as I recall) after fusion, which is extrapolated out to about 50% requiring fusion extension within 20 years . It is actually less frequent when the initial fusion involved multiple levels. Similar results with lumbar. I have a number of studies carried out 10 years, but will have to get back with you when I can get to my research; therefore you might find these with an internet search for longitudinal studies on adjacent segmental disease before I get back.
Dan
Original Message------
Does anyone have articles that outline/discuss the need for future surgery above or below an already fused vertebra in a fairly young individual. I appreciate the help
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Geralyn (Gerri) Pennachio
Vocational Expert/Certified Life Care Planner
Gerrip8738@aol.com
Lakeland, FL United States
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