BAK Fusion Cages
Disc Herniation Technology: A device called a "cage" is used to hold spinal grafts in place while healing occurs. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The physician uses a fluoroscope (live-action x-ray) to help mark the areas to be fused and to aid assessment of the physiologic (normal) curve of the spine, disc height, and accurate placement of the cages. Then one-third to one-half a portion of the vertebrae are removed to allow the cages to be inserted with minimal damage to the nerve roots. Using a microscope or other magnification, the physician identifies the nerve roots in the epidural space. Then the disc material is removed. Using dilators of increasing diameters, the vertebral bodies are separated to obtain a satisfactory disc height. The cage is then screwed into this space and packed with the patient's own bone material.
