What are the possible fusion types?

[Harrison]

There are many types of fusion procedures, each with their own technique and bone material. Some use BMP-2, FDA approved for lumbar procedures; while many docs still prefer opt for the painful hip bone extraction. Here's a blurb that offers an overview of the most common procedures:

�...There are several types of lumbar interbody fusion, but the goal common to all methods is to create solid bone between two or more vertebrae,� said Christopher Shaffrey, MD, a spine surgeon and AANS spokesperson. �A solid fusion between two vertebrae stops the movement between the bones, which can help reduce pain from motion and nerve root inflammation,� added Shaffrey. Fusion may or may not involve use of supplemental hardware (instrumentation) such as plates, screws or cages. The different methods of lumbar interbody fusion are:

�Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Removal of the degenerative disc by going through the lower abdomen. Bone graft material or a metal device filled with bone is then placed into the disc space.

�Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Removal of the posterior bone of the spinal canal, retraction of the nerves, and removal of the disc material from within the disc space, followed by insertion of bone graft and sometimes hardware in order to fuse the bones. The spine is approached through a three-to-six-inch long incision in the midline of the back. This procedure is typically performed on both sides of the spine.

�Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Removal of the posterior bone of the spinal canal, retraction of the nerves, and removal of the disc material from within the disc space, followed by insertion of bone graft and sometimes hardware in order to fuse the bones. The spine is approached through a three-to-six-inch long incision in the midline of the back. Similar to a PLIF, but an entire facet joint is removed, often from only one side.

Source article here.