Stormy01

One disc, the Charite made by Dupuy, has been approved for use in the USA. However, it won't be available until late October as they are in production to make enough to go around. A lot of tests will have to be done first, like MRI, discogram, CT-Myleogram, etc. You could get them all done and out of the way unless you've had very recent ones. Make sure your surgeon has 1) done them before and 2) done over 100. There is a problem with the Charite in that if they aren't placed perfectly, they can pop loose. Not good. That is why you want someone who's done a lot of them and had some experience on fitting you with the right size (yes, they come in all different sizes) and place it properly. If it's placed too far forward, it has a chance of popping loose.

But when done right, the Charite can last for over 45 years and instantly stop your back pain if it's disc originated, as 80% of mine is.

I too, plan to have this done, whether I have it done here or in Germany, is a question I've asked my Health Insurance, and their answer will determine where I go. If they refuse to pay (by calling it an experimental procedure,) it can cost about half in Germany, then what it's expected to go for in the USA. Plus they've been doing it for 14 years in Europe. There are a lot of very experienced doctors there. You just need the $$$.