M6-L (lumbar) Artificial Disc Replacement Available in Europe

[Marti in Benicia]

Hello all. I just learned that Spinal Kinetics lumar version of the famous M6-C disc -- the M6-L -- is now approved and commercially available in Europe. They have over 1,000 in patients with excellent success.

The very first one was implanted by Dr. Nick Boeree in Eastleigh, Southampton (UK). I have names of 3 other surgeons with M6-L experience, too.

FYI -- The M6-L will not be available in the US; you have to go out-of-country to get it/them.

No, I don't work for the manufacturer. I've had so much success with my two M6-C discs that I want others to know about the lumbar version. (Marti@CongerResources.com)

For the person(s) who mistakingly thinks I might be a device, surgeon, or procedure -- of course I'm not! Information is power for those who don't know about yet another device option and serveral provider options; this is more information.

[Metalneck07]

Marti in Benicia--- You mentioned that M6-L will not be available in the US. Do you mean because presently the FDA has not approved it or do you mean it will never be offered in the US ?? Thanks for the information on this subject.
Caitlin aka Metalneck07

[rhatzy]

The FDA takes forever. By the time they approve it, years, their will already be something better oin the market. The US is woefully behind in this area, but hey, you can get your whole back fused here in the US.

[Carson]

Caitlin,

I communicated with Jacqueline, manager of HR and Admin Services at Spinal Kinetics in email recently to ask the same and she explained device manufacturers are limited in the amount of information they can provide US patients but said the M6 is still "several years out" from the US market. Thankfully both the M6-C and M6-L are available in Europe as mentioned.

[Metalneck07]

Thanks Carson for the information. Unfortunately for me traveling outside the US is not an option.Without Insurance coverage it would be out of our grasp financially.And unfortunately I'm not a candidate for a trial because I have two levels bad. I was really hoping more devices would be approved soon.But it looks like not until some time next year and those will be all metal devices. I just can't wait that long . My weakness and numbness in my right leg is getting worse.Along with my pain becoming hard to manage in my back plus in my right leg. Thanks again for the information.
Caitlin aka metalneck07

[Jack-of-all-trades]

The FDA takes forever. By the time they approve it, years, their will already be something better oin the market. The US is woefully behind in this area, but hey, you can get your whole back fused here in the US.

Sad but true.

[Justin]

Marti, thanks for sharing your experience. It was great to catch up today--you are really making great strides with the FDA.

Keep up the good work.

[Justin]

Hello all. I just learned that Spinal Kinetics lumar version of the famous M6-C disc -- the M6-L -- is now approved and commercially available in Europe. They have over 1,000 in patients with excellent success.

The very first one was implanted by Dr. Nick Boeree in Eastleigh, Southampton (UK). I have names of 3 other surgeons with M6-L experience, too.

FYI -- The M6-L will not be available in the US; you have to go out-of-country to get it/them.

No, I don't work for the manufacturer. I've had so much success with my two M6-C discs that I want others to know about the lumbar version. (Marti@CongerResources.com)

For the person(s) who mistakingly thinks I might be a device, surgeon, or procedure -- of course I'm not! Information is power for those who don't know about yet another device option and serveral provider options; this is more information.

Hi Marti,

I found an article that I posted on the Spine Patient Society in September 2009 about Dr. Ritter-Lang being the first surgeon in Europe to implant the Spinal Kinetics M6 Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Device.

• Stenum Hospital -- New Press Release: First to Offer M6 Artificial Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery
• Here's a link to the official press release: Stenum Hospital First to offer M6 Artificial Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery

I hope this helps others looking for information on the M6.

[I Suffer]

I am going to toss out some crazy ideas.

I have contacted my Governor and ask her to legalize this disk in NC. My Argument is if California can legalize pot then why not the M6.

I tossed this out to spinal kenetics: Sell the disks to the Indians. Indian land is not subject to US law. The FDA has no power there.

Spinal Kenetic told me that clinical trials are costly in the US and that they think they would get approval but they simply cannot afford to do it. They Told me that there is a surgeon in Mexico City implanting the disk.

Perhaps US surgeon (one who care about patients more than money) could go to Indian reservations (They have hospitals) and perform the procedure. Spinal Kenetics was intrigued.

I am in the early process of contacting tribal leaders to see if this is possible.

Another dumb idea.

Do it on hospital ships in international water.

Spinal Kenetics told me that US military members can get the M6 in Germany if they are stationed there.

It will be many years before this technology is available in the US. Unless we pressure law makers many of us will deteriorate or die before we can have this life saving, yes life saving for me, technology. We are suffering needlessly.

Please advocate.

I Suffer

[rhatzy]

Stenum is a preferred provider for BCBS for some plans. If I had thrown my back out while in Germany and needed surgery then, BCBS would have paid for it.

Also I have thought about opening a clinic in Bimini,(Bahamas), and running a shuttle from West Palm bringing inpeople for all kinds of surgery and also using a hospital ship in international waters.

Mark