Class 1 and C6 Disc replacement
 

About 12 months ago I had a C6 foraminotomy for a pinched nerve on the right hand side.

The MRI showed that I also had mild disc compression and bone spurs on the left, but due to the fact I had no symptoms on the left hand side, my Neurosurgeon felt is was unlikely to become a problem.
However he did say that if it deteriorated in the future an anterior discectomy would be required.

Does anyone know if this would affect my Class 1 medical. There is very little information on the web and the CASA website has even less.

Class 1 and C6 Disc replacement
 

After initial drama, not a lot. Had a C5 and C6 displacement a couple of years back. Medical suspended whilst displaced bits got replaced in their correct locations (3 months) after that, AME wrote a nice report to medical department of regulatory authority who re issued class 1.

I can't see the point of the three month delay. Nothing gets replaced with a straight forward discectomy. You can occasionally get swallowing issues but if so this is apparent before discharge. This is a 2 hour operation, back to the ward, home the next day. I would consider you able to fly as soon as you can demonstrate adequate upper limb mobility and power. You may also need to be off certain painkillers. But is should be a week, two at most

Good luck. Choose an experienced spinal surgeon who doesn't do brains or orthopaedics and you should be fine

Thanks
 

Hey thanks for your replies and info.

I am about to make a large financial commitment and my loss of license insurance will not cover any loss of license resulting from my C6.

So your replies give me some piece of mind.

ABBOTT,

Did you have the fusion as well? If so did it limit your mobility??

I have read a little about the artificial disk replacement, saying that mobility is restored to normal.

Mini - I think you will be ok - just post op recovery time to normal operational function.

Choice of surgeon/hospital is important. Preplanning with your DAME and regulator the process for clearance will smooth delays