Cervical Disc Replacements instead of more fusions

Fusion causes degeneration of the discs above and below and of course limits movement. Artificial discs however are designed to give you mobility without causing further degeneration. The USA and Canada are approved for 2 levels of cervical and 2 levels of lumbar disc replacements. It's all private and less you have insurance that will pay, the cost is totally yours. Germany is at the forefront of artificial discs and is the only country that does multi-level. Four months ago, I had five cervical artifical discs implanted and structurally the surgery was a complete success. The soft tissue eg muscles, ligaments etc. are still readjusting and is a work in progress. There are a number of skilled and reputable doctors. You can send in your medical imaging for a consult at no charge. That would be the first step. Secondly, get a quote so that you have the whole picture before you make the medical and financial commitment. It's not cheap. If you have to pay yourself, Germany is a cheaper option than the USA. I have a medical background so I understand the differences between fusion and artifical disc replacement. I also spent many, many hours researching it. I would be happy to share that with you.

Thank you, Sandpiper! I didn’t think anyone was ever going to notice my post. Do you think having the two discs replaced with implants under the fused discs would be possible? I spoke to my pain management doctor about having disc replacements last week and he told me no surgeon would touch my neck until I have the hip spacer on the left side replaced as well as the defective hip implant on the right. I’m still on antibiotics for the staph (MSSA) infection of the left hip that required its removal. I’m having those surgeries done in October and February. I’m waiting this long for the revisions because it increases the chance of the infection being completely gone before surgery. I’d love to read any information you have. Thank you again for answering. I greatly appreciate any info you can provide.

Thank you so much for sharing this information. It's totally amazing really. I have two questions. Is this considered experimental? Would a good insurance plan pay for the surgery? I love to swim long distance. I had to stop because of my neck. Would you have that side turning movement now after your surgery? Thank you in advance for your reply. Nancy Holzheimer

My friend went to Germany decades ago for a ADR of L5-S1, I think was a Prodisc something. May I ask which medical tourism company you used? Medicare won't pay for ADR yet and I've been told I need C5-7 fused. I had L4-5 fuse 3 yrs ago and the pain is back worse. I'm now getting a Spinal Cord Simulator, 3 neurosurgeons said surgery wouldn't help. I really need a spine transplant but....

Hi Nancy. It isn't at all experimental. Germany has been doing artificial disc replacement for 15 years. There are other countries that do 2 levels and may be cheaper but I would caution you against using cost as your deciding factor. Re: restoration of movement. That's the idea, but surgery isn't an instant fix. It takes care of the structural aspect of your spine but the muscles and tendons have to be re- trained to accomodate the changes that the new disc will bring. I live in Canada and the cost was my responsibility. I have read that some insurance companies in the USA do pay. As for the swimming, as a massage therapist and also a 5 disc recipient, personally, I would avoid any activity that would put undue pressure on the AD. You can resume normal activities but swimming marathons is hardly s normal activity. So I am iffy on saying yes you can. I do know that although I wouldn't coddle myself, I wouldn't put myself in jeapardy. When you think about what our spine has to do to support our body, it has to be pretty strong and resilient and the new disc has to be too. However the orthopedic surgeon can best answer your question. My advice would be to contact ProSpine in Germany and request a consult. There is a form to complete with a detailed medical history and they need to see recent imaging i.e. MRI, xrays etc. Start there and if they offer you surgery, get a quote. Then you'll have all the info you need to make a decision. Then check out the insurance aspect. It would have to be existing insurance.

Thank you so much for your informative answer. This whole process is so new to me. Exciting to think you have could have a choice. I will be in Germany the middle of September. I will diffenitly make an appointment with a qualified surgeon. I appreciate your advice and direction.