There are artificial discs available now in the USA for both the lumbar and cervical spine. They've been available for years in Europe. That's what MedMech has. I'd certainly look into an ADR before getting a fusion. There's info at ADRsupport.org. I had cervical spine surgery that did not require a fusion with Dr. Jho in Pittsburgh. I posted about it a few years ago.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13