Ace,
Good luck with your research and eventual surgery.
I am aware of two other lumbar ADRs that attempt to mimic the action of our natural discs. The Spinal Kinetics M6-L, and ... (don't recall the name) another disc Dr Bertagnoli prefers over the M6. Perhaps this is the Cadisc? I don't know which disc is best for what conditions, but know that they are all very new, having been in service for only about a year. So very little is known about how they'll perform long term. I would encourage you to do some considerable research before selecting one.
As you are willing to go outside of the US for surgery (like I did), be aware that additional risks abound.
- No protection by the US legal system in the event you need it
- Additional expense in the event of complications
- You may have trouble getting medical treatment for spine ailments once back in the US
May God forbid that you have any of these issues; but they do warrant consideration for those going abroad.
In all of my research and online conversations with fellow spine sufferers, I've found three international surgeons that I really like.
- Pablo Clavel, Barcelona, Spain. Produces a steady stream of positive ADR outcomes. He did my double cervical ADR in 2009.
- Nick Boeree, Hampton, England. Produces a steady stream of positive ADR outcomes. I've never seen an unkind word written about him.
- Luiz Pimenta, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Handles very bad cases and produces positive outcomes. He is a widely published researcher and is profusely cited by his peers.
I know that there are many outstanding international surgeons out there, but these are the three that to me stand out, for the reasons cited. I do believe that the top tier US surgeons are every bit as good as these gentlemen; but the US surgeons just don't have at their disposal the same arsenal of weapons to combat spinal disease.
Good luck, Jeff