Intervertebral Fusion Cage

To Clarify, the intervertebral fusion cage allows the spine surgeon to help bones grow during various back operations. For patients that require fusion surgery to treat degenerative disc disease, the intervertebral fusion cage provides an effective solution for several reasons.

• Low complication rate

• Minimized pain after surgery due to less trauma during surgery

• Shorter hospital stay compared to other types of fusion methods

• Quicker return to daily activities

However, the cage does not treat all types of spinal problems. If your pain comes from degenerative disc disease with segmental instability, the cage can provide a solution.

Surgical Devices

Upon examining the intervertebral fusion cage, it appears as a hollow cylinder — made from various materials including metal or carbon-graphite fiber. When used, doctors place bone inside the cylinder. Also, the holes in the cage keep the graft in contact with the bony surface of the vertebrae. Therefore, this ensures that the bone graft unites with the vertebrae, forming a solid fusion.

The cage helps in several ways. As an example, the solid cage separates and holds two vertebrae apart. Also, this makes the opening around the nerve roots bigger, relieving pressure on the nerves. As the vertebrae separate, the ligaments tighten up, reducing instability and mechanical pain. Thus, the cage replaces the problem disc while holding the two vertebrae in position until fusion occurs.

With over 10,000 procedures using intervertebral fusion cages, our doctors believe the cages effectively aid in healing patients.  Similarly, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously approved many of these devices.