Zorro, there are many perspectives on the overall design of the Charite clinical trial. I've heard many from patients (here), patients (phone) and of course from papers and at conferences.
My opinion is that for properly qualified patients, ADR is a good option. The qualification process continues to be the weakest link in the process. And that may have been a big part challenge in the original clinical design. If you really do your homework, you will see that (published) clinical design criteria is getting more careful; more detailed; more stringent. I think is a good thing, though some people may be disappointed to be disqualified from a trial.
Dr. Geisler published this interesting paper which provides a more analytical assessment of the Charité trial data than what was previously published. It's a bit technical, now old news, but read it carefully. I'll send it to you -- just email me (not private message).
Surgical Treatment for Discogenic Low-Back Pain:
Lumbar Arthroplasty Results in Superior Pain Reduction
and Disability Level Improvement Compared With Lumbar Fusion
Fred H. Geisler, MD, PhD
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