Trabecluar cage - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

EtherealGirl · 12-09-2006, 12:54 PM

I'm going in for c6-7 fusion on the 13th. They're using the trabecular cage instead of a bone graft. Has anyone here had that method of surgery. I'm pretty nervous so any help would be appreciated!

PearlDoves · 12-09-2006, 02:12 PM

Hello, welcome to the board!

My Surgeon used a cage on me, I was quite facinated by it - I was all ready to offer my hip for a bone graft and deal with any extra pain, but once I heard about that, I went along for it. What happens is that they use bone chips accumulated durring surgery and put that in the middle opening of the cage.. along with some things that helps stimulate bone growth if I'm not mistaken.

I'm a little over a month out of surgery now. Around 2 1/2 - 3 weeks after surgery, because of some concerns and symptoms, we had a MRI, CT, and the routine check up xray done to make sure things were good... and everything is good, in fact he said that bone growth was already taking place! I've just been having some issues with swelling and such.. which is normal after this surgery.

Good Luck to you and God Bless!

BobM · 12-09-2006, 05:35 PM

Hello E-Girl
If you are nervous or have questions about your procedure, it is always OK to call the Dr's office and ask. My surgeon has an excellent office staff and they've always been able to answer my questions (just a suggestion).

Have you read up on the differences in using your own bone vs. donor bone vs. synthetic materials? If not let us know and people will give you info on all of this.

Assuming you have read up on this, the cage technique you mention seems like the 'best of both' worlds - you are using your own bone, and you avoid the surgery to harvest bone from your hip.

You could ask how many of these your Dr has performed, and what is the rate of 'successful fusions'. It seems awkward to ask this, but it's really an OK question, since there are different techniques for fusing, and it's OK to talk about the alternatives.

The majority of people who have ACDF surgeries seem to recover very well. You should make plans as you can to give yourself time for a good recovery.

Some people do seem to have more complex issues, but even most of those seem to report improvement from the surgery. I am in this group - ever so much better off now than before, but a little chronic pain and the prospect of more surgery down the road. But we don't seem to be the majority!

Best luck - read and ask questions, this is a great place to get info.
Bob

G

EtherealGirl · 12-09-2006, 06:06 PM

Thanks so much for your quick responses! My surgeon has been great at giving me information, I just wanted to hear from some folks who've "been there".

My surgeon is considered the best around here so that does give me some comfort. I'm just ready to be through with all the pain. I've been putting up with it for a few years. I was actually diagnosed with the herniated disks 3 years ago, but with exercise and physical therapy I remained pain free until early October. I had another flare up and just couldn't make the pain go away. It got so bad I had to do something. I had another MRI and my surgeon (who is also known as being very conservative) took one look at it and said "you need surgery...period".

Thanks again for all your good advice. I'll keep you posted when I get out of the hospital on Thursday.

badbackpeg · 12-10-2006, 04:49 PM

Hi,

Your post caught my eye, as when I had my L4/5 fusion march 05, they used cages and bone chips left over from surgery, and also used some of my bone marrow, and I fused and healed very well, so when I have my cervical fusion on January 23, he is going to do the same thing, as I wouldn't want the pain of them taking it from my hip.

I am nervous about my upcoming surgery too, but I know it is for the best, and I don't want to wait til I have nerve damage, or other problems associated with spinal cord compression. I have a disc herniation at C6/7 pushing on my spinal cord, like you I will have ACDF.

Personally, I am all for the cage procedure.

Good luck to you,
Peg