Zippie,
Just to untangle a few of your assumptions:
- The Charite’ ADR was approved in 2004. The term "experimental" is used by major insurance companies to rationalize their non-coverage policies.
- Many folks here in the U.S. have had single and double ADR with good results; you need not fly overseas to get excellent treatment. Just find an experienced doctor.
- There are well over 100,000 fusions done annually in the U.S.; fusion continues to be the most appropriate option for many patients.
Perhaps you can get a referral to an experienced surgeon who is more familiar with many aspects of spine surgery, e.g. fusion, arthroplasty, new clinical trials? That being said, if you feel you must fly abroad, most people here have good results with Dr. Bertagnoli and Dr. Zeegers. For costs, see the topic on ADR Costs in the FAQs:
http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums?a=corfrm&cf=7011036081
Can you create a signature line? Thanks.