State of the art fusion at L5/S1

[decker]

Has anyone recently had a fusion at L5/S1 with the current methods (eg. with BMP)? I can find a lot of posts on what to expect, general bounds of recovery, range of outcomes etc. from ADR, but not from fusion. Are there any literature references that provide a big picture overview?

Oh, a brief update on the osteoporosis: I did not get the "official" results from the doc, but the tech was willing to let me see the results informally and compare to my data in the same machine from last year. It appears that I have made some significant gains in bone density. I have been a year on fosamax, supplemental calcium and vitamin D, and as much walking as I can tolerate. Hopefully this will give me more options for surgery. I see a spine surgeon in Late July
thanks
dave

[Mariaa]

Dave,
Just replying to the BMD part of the post~ great news! Hoping options open up to you with increased BMD results, please keep us posted on the July Spine surgeon visit if you're so inclined~ Maria

[letteski]

Hi Dave,

I was given the option of fusion L5-S1, stand alone LT cage with BMP anterior approach. I found this site on BMP and fusion.

The doctor I saw said he would use a carbon fiber cage and the benefits are the cage is not seen on x-ray so you can get a better picture of the fusion process. Carbon fiber is softer construction. He said, �that especially in women titanium can be too hard and cause problems in the future and that carbon fiber is the wave of the future�. (fits in this thread) Plastic cages are also replacing titanium cages these days. May be better for osteoporosis just a thought.

Hope it helps!