ProDisk or M6?

**Orion** · 02-26-2011, 10:19 PM

I have been approved for a two level cervical ADR. Here in the states I guess the only ADR available is the ProDisc C. I think I want the M6 ADR.
Can you help me as to which one is best cervical ADR? I have no problem going out of the country; I just want the best/right ADR available at this time. Also do you know of a place/Dr. here in the States that can help with this problem?

Thanks Jim L.

**rhatzy** · 02-27-2011, 09:35 AM

I don't think anyone in the states is using the M6c. The neck is more forgiving than the back so the pro disc will probably be good. You just need to find a surgeon in the states that is experienced at doing a 2 level. I don't know, but when my neck goes, I will be looking for the M6 or maybe by then something even better. I'd probably go back to germany. Just my opinion. By the way, I was about 6 months early for the M6 lumbar, so I have 2 mavericks in my back and have never been happier.
Mark

**KBear** · 02-27-2011, 11:54 AM

I would also look in the travel forums, both domestic and international, and send out films and records and get opinions from top notch surgeons on what they think is best and why. There are lots of great surgeons in the US and worldwide, so you should get lots of great opinions.

**Orion** · 03-03-2011, 06:07 PM

i am in the process of getting info out the the surgeons out of state. I am leaning toward the M6 as most of what I find indicates this is the better ADR. Your thoughts are very much appreciated as I have only one neck.
Mark; Are you in the FD? Your picture looks like you are. I am a 20 yr. Fire fighter/Captain.

Thanks to all!
Jim L.

**Justin** · 03-03-2011, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by Orion

i am in the process of getting info out the the surgeons out of state. I am leaning toward the M6 as most of what I find indicates this is the better ADR. Your thoughts are very much appreciated as I have only one neck.
Mark; Are you in the FD? Your picture looks like you are. I am a 20 yr. Fire fighter/Captain.

Thanks to all!
Jim L.

Mark is an airline captain.

**Orion** · 03-03-2011, 07:38 PM

Good to know... Can he take me overseas?

Jim

**rhatzy** · 03-04-2011, 03:15 PM

back when I was with TWA i was going overseas. Now I'm stuck flying in the US. That pic is in the cockpit. It was my first flight after recovering from my ADR surgery.

Mark

**JPJH** · 03-07-2011, 07:29 PM

Both have pretty good records so far. I think the main question is what surgeon is doing it and how many have they done. In the U.S. as you know the M-6 has yet to be approved by the FDA. I had my two level Cervical ADR using the M-6 with Dr. Clavel in Barcelona in Oct. 2010 and so far so good. I've not been on the spine forums too much as of late, but I thought the FDA had not yet approved 2 Level ADR? Not sure maybe I'm thinking of something else??

JPJH

**Cindylou** · 03-09-2011, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by JPJH

Both have pretty good records so far. I think the main question is what surgeon is doing it and how many have they done. In the U.S. as you know the M-6 has yet to be approved by the FDA. I had my two level Cervical ADR using the M-6 with Dr. Clavel in Barcelona in Oct. 2010 and so far so good. I've not been on the spine forums too much as of late, but I thought the FDA had not yet approved 2 Level ADR? Not sure maybe I'm thinking of something else??

JPJH

You bring up a very good point JPJH, that being the reputation of the surgeon, how many he has implanted, as placement is EVERYTHING. Definitely the order you want to pursue. Don't pursue "the device" first, and then run around chasing up a surgeon. This is just my 2 cents. And yes, you are also correct in that multiple ADR's have not been approved, as of yet, by the FDA. There are ways around this, such as being approved for a clinical trial, or getting approval for off label use, however, we are still a ways away from ADR of any type gaining approval by insurance companies consistently across the board. It's just not happening as much or as often as I would, and everyone else for that matter, would like to see. And that's a crying shame. Cindylou

**Orion** · 03-15-2011, 09:47 PM

Thanks all...

I have been approved by my workers compensation for a two level ProDisc ADR at UCSF (San Francisco). I do feel that as a firefighter this is not the right ADR for me. I am now looking at paying out of pocket for an M6 as this is what I think is best. Good for me... Bad for my family, I do not know. I only have one neck and one life. I would like to spend the last of my life like I choose to.

Let all of you know soon.
Jim Landis