Biotechnology makes spinal fusion less traumatic
When degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures or other problems cause relentless pain and spinal instability, a spinal fusion may be needed.
A fusion is a surgical procedure where two vertebrae are fused or joined together. Metal screws, rods or cages are used as stabilizing devices between the vertebrae, and grafted bone is implanted around the vertebrae to stimulate new bone growth and enhance stability. Until most recently, this grafted bone was removed from the patient's hip in a separate surgical procedure.
"Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2), a laboratory-produced genetically engineered protein has changed all this," explains Mark Testaiuti, MD, Virtua neurosurgeon. "BMP-2 duplicates the protein that naturally occurs in the body, and this helps to promote bone growth and healing. With BMP-2, a bone graft is not needed."
Dr. Testaiuti often invoves Larry Deutsch, MD, Virtua orthopaedic surgeon, in his cases. This gives patients the benefit of having both a neurosurgeon and an orthopaedic surgeon involved in this complex spine surgery.