I had my ADR in 2002 with Dr Zeegers (now deceased bless him). I e mailed him loads of times and sent pictures of my spine etc. Nothing was too much trouble for him and when we met in Germany he called me the emailing patient- - -all smiles
If surgeons are too busy then don`t go there go where someone is working at a steady pace all over the year. I run the UK spine board so know what I am talking about and e mail surgeons on a regular basis to check their holidays ,conferences etc. Get to someone with experience (Dr Zeegers had done over 2000 surgeries).
One of the best surgeons worldwide is Mr Khia Lam in London. you will see his details on my board
www.adrsupportuk.com/
Good luck to every patient
Best
Alastair