What does a spinal cage do?

What does a spinal cage do?

The cage serves as a space holder between your affected vertebrae and allows bone to grow through it, eventually becoming a part of your spine.

Is a cage an interbody fusion device?

An interbody fusion cage (colloquially known as a “spine cage”) is a prosthesis used in spinal fusion procedures to maintain foraminal height and decompression. They are cylindrical or square-shaped devices, and usually threaded.

What is an interbody fusion device?

An interbody fusion is a type of spinal fusion that involves removing the intervertebral disk. This type of fusion can be performed using different approaches. For example, the surgeon can access the spine through incisions in the lower back or through incisions in the side.

What is an OLIF surgery?

OLIF, or oblique lateral interbody fusion, is a less invasive approach to spinal fusion surgery in which the neurosurgeon accesses and repairs the lower (lumbar) spine from the front and side of the body (passing in a trajectory about halfway between the middle of the stomach and the side of the body).

What can’t you do after spinal fusion?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

What makes up the cage for spinal fusion?

The cages have a hollow center, which is filled with a bone-growth promoting material, such as beta‐tricalcium phosphate or your own bone (taken from your hip during the same surgery as the fusion). See Interbody Cages for Spine Fusion Potential benefits of spinal cages

How are interbody cages used in fusion surgery?

In most cases, two intervertebral fusion cages are used in each disc and are placed side by side using special instruments. Two holes are drilled into the disc to place the intervertebral fusion cages side by side. The fluoroscope is used throughout the procedure to visualize the use of the drills.

What kind of cages are used in spine?

Interbody cages are placed between the bodies of 2 adjacent vertebrae—after removing the intervertebral disc that typically occupies this space. Spinal cages may be made of metal, polymer, ceramic, or a fusion of different materials. Two commonly used materials include titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). 1

Where is the fusion cage located in an X-ray machine?

The disc that is to be replaced with the intervertebral fusion cage is located using a fluoroscope (a fluoroscope is a special X-ray machine that shows the images on a TV screen). In most cases, two intervertebral fusion cages are used in each disc and are placed side by side using special instruments.