Spine Treatment
Surgical Treatments

BONE GRAFTS in SPINE SURGERY

Spinal fusion is one of the most common surgeries done on the neck or back. The basic idea is to fuse together painful bones in the spine so that they heal into a single, solid bone. In order for bones to fuse or heal together, additional bone is needed. This additional bone is called a bone graft.

Many bone graft options are used today. They are often combined together. One popular method involves bone grafting, where the surgeon may utilize autograft bone, sourced directly from the patient’s own body, often from the pelvis.

Alternatively, allograft bone, which is bone harvested from a donor, can also be used. In some cases, a bone graft substitute might be deemed suitable. These substitutes often incorporate stem cells to promote bone growth and healing. The graft that is best for your problem will depend upon which section of your spine needs to be fused, your age, and your general health (AAOS, 2015).

CONSULT

There are a number of considerations to evaluate when deciding which type of bone graft options to use. The main factors to be taken into account include:

  • Type of spinal fusion (e.g. ALIF, PLIF, posterolateral gutter)
  • The number of levels of the spine involved
  • Location of fusion – (neck fusion or lumbar fusion)
  • Patient risk factors for non-fusion (e.g. if patient is obese, a smoker, poor bone quality)
  • Surgeon experience and preference.

To date, using the patient’s own bone is considered the gold standard. However, this is not the best option for all patients.

In an effort to reduce the surgical risks and possible complications with using the patient’s own bone, and to enhance rates of fusion, the spine medicine community is focusing resources on developing better options.

TREATMENT

When a spinal fusion is to be performed in an attempt to restore stability of the spine, one needs to achieve a solid biological union between at least two vertebrae. Typically, in order for this to occur, bone material is placed adjacent to the vertebrae to be fused. This bone material is referred to as “bone graft.” Traditionally, this bone graft material is harvested from a separate incision through the iliac crest (superficial part of the pelvis).

Currently, there are many alternatives to using one’s own iliac crest bone as bone graft material.

OPTIONS

The surgical implantation procedure is performed through an incision in the abdomen (similar to an anterior lumbar interbody fusion).

With this approach, the organs and blood vessels must be moved to the side. This allows your surgeon to access the spine without moving the nerves.

Usually, a vascular surgeon assists the orthopaedic surgeon with opening and exposing the disc space. Most surgeries take about 2 to 3 hours.

Disc Design
The disc replacement device may comprise the nucleus (center) of the disc while leaving the annulus (outer ring) in place, although this technology is still in an investigative stage.

In most cases, total artificial disc replacements substitute the annulus and nucleus with a mechanical device that will simulate spinal function.

There are a number of different disc designs. Each is unique in its own way, but all maintain a similar goal: to reproduce the size and function of a normal intervertebral disc.

Some of the discs are made of metal, while others are a combination metal and plastic, similar to joint replacements in the knee and hip. Materials used include medical grade plastic (polyethylene) and medical grade cobalt chromium or titanium alloy.

Meet

Dr. Hamid Mir, M.D.

Dr Hamid Mir is a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon with fellowship training in combined neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. He has offices in OC, Los Angeles & Riverside. Dr Mir specializes in spinal fusion, lumbar surgery and treating trauma as well as other conditions affecting the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine including degenerative diseases, stenosis, fracture, infection, adult scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.

Testimonials

You are more than just a patient.

Dr. Hamid Mir is a member of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with fellowship training in combined neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in 2004. As a top rated spine surgeon, he specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine diseases including degenerative, stenosis, fracture, infection, scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.

Dr. Mir focused his practice on minimally invasive techniques. As Medical Director of DISC Sports & Spine Center, Dr. Mir is at the forefront of the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. The benefits of these techniques include less post-operative pain, quicker recovery reduced blood loss, less soft tissue damage, smaller surgical incisions, less scarring and improved function.

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