CERVICAL ADR....USA or Europe!
 

Hi Everybody,
I recently discover that I have 3 herniated discs in my neck. In 2004 I had fusion at c4/5, and although back then the problem was temporarily resolved I think that caused the herniated discs that I have today. I`ve seen 3 doctors so far and they all agree I need surgery soon. The discs at C3/4 and C6/7 are compressing the spine and I can`t afford to wait too long.
Needless to say that 3 doctors suggested 3 different operations. One doctor wants to do a Laminoplasty, the other wants to fuse 3 levels and the third wants to fuse C3/4 (the worst of them all) and wait and see what to do about the others after surgery. I really don`t like any of this options; after a lot of reading, and of course my personal experience, I came to the conclusion that fusion should be your very last resort. It creates more problems to the above and below levels and a considerable loss of ROM. Laminoplasty doesn`t really resolves the problem of the herniated discs, it`s a very painful and long recovery operation and considering that I`m 40 years old I would prefer to avoid it.
ADR seems to be a real and valid option but I`m confused about the following:

1) In USA you can only get one level ADR if cover by your insurance but you can get 2 and 3 level ADR if you pay cash. TRUE or FALSE?

2)Which hospital in USA does cervical ADR possibly 2 and 3 levels?

3)Which hospital in Europe does cervical ADR.

4) Is it really better to have this kind of surgery in EUROPE?

5) Anybody knows if Italy offers these type of operations or can suggest a surgeon there? I`ve some family there and for me it would be much easier to go Italy rather then Germany or England or Spain.

If possible I would like to hear from people that went through this process before or is in the middle of the process.

Thank you for your help and god bless.

Patty

Let me help answer a few of these from my personal exp
 

i had a two level fusion with peek implants at c 4/5 and 5/6 in july 2007. it did not fuse so they revised it with donor bone graft sep 2008. each time they placed titanium plate and screws over the vertabrae. one year later oct 2009 my c 3/4 had to be done with a stand alone peek cage which is just another way to fuse. now my c 6/7 is going. are you seeing the pattern here? do not let them fuse you. read about wolfs law. if you can get adr, i beg you to try anything to make that happen. i will not let them fuse me again. yes if you can pay out of pocket you may find a surgeon in the usa to do it. There are surgeons in california, texas, and florida that do it. mark that admin. for this site has a small fee to pre-opp your films and case to doctors that can help you. God bless, cheryl

Hi Patty,

You can get a multi-level ADR in the US. Don't know which ins co you have but chances are they won't even cover a single level. Most don't.

It's not the hospital that performs the surgery, it's the doctor and which hospital he operates in. You're more interested in choosing your doctor... and carefully - you've got one chance to get this right. Same thing applies to European doctors.

There are now excellent doctors in the U.S. Cost is usually the biggest factor, generally speaking, 1/2 the cost (or less) in Europe. Mark, GPN Artificial Disc Replacement ADR can help guide you if you're interested in Europe... Italy.

Don't blame you for not wanting a fusion, especially multi-level. Good luck and keep us posted.

Dale

Cervical ADR
 

Cervical ADR in Germany (Dr. Zeegers in particular):
1. Less expensive than in the U.S.(even with flight and lodging considered).
2. Far, far better medical care.
3. The absolute best surgeon; likely better outcome.
4. Latest and greatest prosthesis; USA models are obsolete compared to what they are using in Europe.

That's my opinion,
Jeff

Pattygo,

I had a 3 level cervical ADR done in Barcelona Spain by Dr. Clavel. He implanted 3 m6 cervical discs into my neck, c5/6,c6/7,c7/t1, and i am 32 days post op and feelin pretty dasrn good, improving daily.

1. Excellent surgeon....Dr. Pablo Clavel
2. Excellent hospital.... Quiron Hospital....(clean and my own private room)
3. Nursing staff friendly and compassionate
4. EXCELLENT m6 device
5. A wonderful out of country experience, after being discharged from the hospital, my sister and I walked at least 40 miles within the following week sightseeing and be mesmerized by the city.

Just my experience, Sincerly

Jarrod

My understanding based on my research.

FDA has not yet approved multi-level cervical ADR.

You can get the surgery in the US by participating in a study. One US doctor who offered me multi-level cervical ADR in 2008, Delamarter, LA Spine Institute. Very experienced ADR surgeon. Consult was about $500.

My other option is Germany, which I did have my first ADR there, and had a very good experience. It is a little scary, but more common than you can imagine.

trials are usually single level
 

I have looked into trial here in the US. They only one I found for the new m6c, which is supposidly now closed to any new participants, was only for single level. You see, they do not want anything to place a higher chance of a negative out-come for their trial. It will be a long wait here and if one is already talking adr, they usually can't wait to long.

I got a "green cash" quote from a reputed experienced adr surgeon in the US for multilevel adr that was very close to the european cost year and a half go. I went to Europe anyway for reasons other then the exact cost but not having to travel for close to the same cost by an experienced US surgeon is worth a consideration especially if your myleopathy could be made worse by travelling.

Trials
 

U.S. Trials aren't just trials for the prosthetic device, but also trials for the surgeon. Something to keep in mind.
Experience can be an important factor.

-Jeff

very true...good point. they have not been doing these types of proceedures as long as the Europeans.

Hi everybody,
I`m about to schedule a two level ADR, with Dr. Bitan in New York. We`re still discussing the final price, not with the Doctor, but with the hospital, and what portion my insurance is willing to pay.
I`m think that dr. Bitan has enough experience (and good reputation) to do this kind of operation, and was very polite and willing to listen and take questions during my visit, which I liked a lot.

Wish me luck.....

Patty

Only one thing to say - Good luck!

Cost of multi-level procedure
 

Jarrod, I am also considering a multi-level cervical ADR. I am curious as to how much it cost to do a triple level ADR in spain? I was told that in Germany, it could be $60,000? Any help is appreciated!

Hi D and welcome,

What brought you here? Please start a new thread and tell us a little about yourself.

6 years ago, my 3 level lumbar surgery, including business class airfare for me and my husband and using Mark's services, cost about $60,000. Today, the exchange rate isn't as good but I can't imagine other costs being that much more, in fact, maybe even a little less because of the bad economy.

You might want to talk to Mark at GPN Artificial Disc Replacement ADR. His finger is always on the pulse.

Good luck, Dale

Patty... any news? Your last post says you are scheduling. I really like Dr. Bitan and am looking forward to hearing about your good result! (I'm sending you and email now.)

All the best,

Mark