Intervertebral Cage – Uses and Risks

An intervertebral cage, often made of titanium, is used to aid a surgeon in performing a spinal fusion surgery. During these procedures, a bone graft is placed inside of an intervertebral cage, which has been positioned between two vertebral segments. The bone graft forms inside of and through the holes in the cage, which in turn fuses the two vertebrae together.

Uses

An intervertebral cage and spinal fusion surgery can be used to treat a number of conditions affecting the neck and back. It is most commonly used to treat degenerative disc disease. This condition occurs when intervertebral discs dry out and deteriorate as a part of the natural aging process, limiting their ability to absorb shock in the neck or back. Since the discs become thinner, the disc space between the vertebrae narrows, sometimes causing nerve impingement and subsequent pain and discomfort. An intervertebral cage can be used to restore the disc space while a bone graft can hold the vertebrae in place.

Risks

Spinal fusion surgeries that utilize an intervertebral cage are not immune to certain risks and complications. While risks can be specific to each individual patient and should be discussed with a doctor, some of the common complications from these procedures include:

• Nonunion (this occurs when the bone graft fails to join the vertebrae together; additional surgery is sometimes required)
• Additional or more severe pain
• Added stress to the spine, especially in areas directly above and below the fusion
• Injury to the spine or surrounding nerves
• Infection
• Blood clots

Patients who are concerned about the above risks may want to consider the minimally invasive procedures performed by Laser Spine Institute. Our endoscopic procedures are safe and effective alternatives to spinal fusion, presenting fewer risks thanks to small incisions and the utilization of local anesthesia and IV sedation, as opposed to the general anesthesia that is required with fusion. Contact Laser Spine Institute for more information and to find out if you could be a candidate for one of our outpatient procedures.