I have to say, inconvenience or not, UPenn sounds like the only place that will be closest and educated enough for what you are looking for. At least it's only a few hours away and in the same state.

Holly is one of the most well versed, well studied person I have ever met in here or anywhere else for that fact. Her passion for cats is just amazing. She has helped me tremendously while I was trying to save Huckleberry. 

It seems like you are looking for a miracle around the block, and unfortunately I don't think that will happen. I looked myself at the situation, and most information I got was from out of the country. Even then the success rate was less than perfect. 

I hope in all of this research that you have managed to keep Lotus' pain under control with your vet, because everything I have read speaks volumes about the discomfort of this particular situation.

Even in the best of situations unless you can keep Lotus incredibly still throughout the long recovery process, a lot of these procedures are not productive and end up in amputation anyways. 

It also appears that as time passes there is more chance of further injury. This might be the time to evaluate what you have and decide what the best thing will be for your furbaby.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey. I know you will make the best choice for Lotus.

Jackie and Huckleberry