It's very inexpensive compared to traditional fusion. It is a method of planting an interbody device endoscopically. It will be very interesting to see where this type of procedure ultimately fits in the scheme of things.
I've attended a cadaver lab where surgeons were being taught the procedure. Minimally invasive access via normal endoscopic techniques. Put in the mesh bag and pack it with morselized bone.
Fusions are done all the time with morselized bone and sterile interbody devices. I don't see any reason for increased risk of infection. (Alastair, "certain way of infection happening"???)
Some doctors think it may function almost like a nucleus replacement; especially if bone growth is discouraged (depending on what you fill it with)... not quite fusing, but maintaining disc space and allowing continued motion. It will be a while before this application is fully understood.
Mark
|