Jeff, yes, thanks for reminding me of the obvious -- I suppose some folks get tired of me ringing the infection bell. But it's often the cause of implant failures.
Lauren, unfortunately, most spine doctors will tell you that they know what a biofilm is, but the reality is that they don't have the diagnostic equipment, expertise, methods, time (or even interest) to test implants for biofilms that contribute to failures. Some may say, "yeah, we can have it cultured." And that's the wrong answer -- testing a device for failure is more involved than that.
That's why earlier in the topic I asked about the experience of your surgeon. It's super-important that your surgeon has done a significant number of these revisions -- can you tell me how many? Though your situation seems dire, I would be wary if he did less than "X." What that number should be is often debated; but if it's less than 20 or 30 I would be concerned. If it is, pls PM me and let me know...maybe I can help.
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