Multi Level ADR

[box1186]

Has anyone recieved either a two or three level replacement (in the US)? If so what brand, physician, state...etc. I want to meet this DR. I have been given the option of a three level fusion or wait until a multi-level ADR is approved. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Box

[Harrison]

Box, lots of people on this forum have had 2 levels here in the US. The 3 levels in the US are rarer, but there a handful of folks who have had the ProDisc...but I am not sure about the 3 levels. Most folks here have those "tricky" ones overseas.

And I just spoke to a new member who recently had a 2 level Charite' in Boston!

[Dano]

Box1156- I had a two level Charite at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles on 1/11/05.Since my operation (it was the first double at Cedars) there have been a handful more. It is the medical device that the FDA approves. Then it is up to the Dr. and the Hospital commitee's on how the device is used to a point. There are members of this board and others who have had compassionate three levels, although just like Harrison said, 3+ levels are mostly done over-seas. The FDA had to approve the three levels that have been done due to they have happened in the study period of the prodisk.
Take care, Dano

[myprodisc]

Box, I got a 2 level PD at Texas Back Institute.

Scott

[ReachtheSummit]

Box,
I had a three level Pro Disc at UCSF, and I know someone who just had a two level Charite there last week.

[cervie queen]

It is probably important if you need two discs replaced or need three. there are several centers who have replaced two discs, but three seems to be a different story. Of all the ADR patients here you can count on the fingers of one hand those who have received more than two levels including a combination fusion/ADR. If you need three levels, Germany is probably your best alternative. Either that or wait until more doctors have used other patients as their learning curve for multi-level.

[Carl]

Hi Box,

I recently (July 8th, 2004) had a three level ADR done here in the US. I'd be more than happy to give you my surgeons name, the medical center and help guide you with ways to present your case to your insurance provider or workman�s comp for coverage. IT CAN BE DONE.

There are several steps you should take which require a lengthy description, however I haven't taken the time yet to write a description/story/background of my case for others to read yet. I promise to get it done soon.

I've been blessed and feel privileged by my surgeon who I've had a great working relationship with for over 6 years, along with the medical center and especially my wife who stood by me all the way, so I have no problem talking with you on the phone.

You can either call me and I'll call you right back on my dime or you can email me a phone number I can reach you at and I'll give you a call.

I worked hard to get my 3-level done and now being down that road I want to help others however I can so they can get back to the life they once had.

I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Take care,

Carl

[Lori]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and I am also interested in multi-level (two level) adr surgery. I am looking for a doctor in the US but I am willing to travel overseas if necessary. I would like to talk with someone who has been involved with a clinical trial as well as someone with a dual level adr surgery here in the states. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated.

Lori

[chris]

Lori, I have had a two level ADR at the same levels(Charite). My surgery was performed in Boston with the Boston Spine Group. See www.bostonspinegroup.com .At this time single level is all that is approved by the FDA. Don't let this deter you from seeking out a 2-level Surgeon. At this point my 2-level has been extremely successful with only a minor hurtle(ha-ha).If you need anything else don't hesitate to ask, you'll find this is one of your best resources.
Good Luck, Chris

[Dano]

Lori, I also had a two level done here in the US. There are quite a few Charite's that have been done. The FDA controls the Approval of the device only. Once the device is approved, the it is upto the surgen and the Hospital on how the medical device is used. My surgrey was at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. They have done 10 or so doubles since Oct. I have spoken with many of those PT's and all are doing well! Dr. Robert Bray did my surgrey and I have had three previous microd's from him as well. I'm very pleased at 5 weeks post-op. Take care, Dano http://www.csmc.edu/507.html