Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of bone graft?

There are various types of bone graft that can be used in a spinal fusion procedure. Discuss with Dr. Mazahery which is the best choice for you.

Autograft harvest

This involves taking bone from one part of your body (commonly your iliac crest) and using it to help fuse another part of your body (a section of your spine). This technique has good fusion rates, but also has some disadvantages. The most common complication of this technique is persistent pain at the site the bone was taken from. This occurs in 25% of cases. There is also a risk of causing weakness and fracture at the harvest site. Due to these risks, harvested autograft is typically reserved for patients deemed to have decreased fusion potential.

Local bone autograft

In some fusion procedures, such as a cervical corpectomy, the bone that was removed from your spine while decompressing the nerves can be saved and used for bone graft. This depends on the amount of bone that is harvested, and may need to be supplemented with additional graft material.

Cadaver/allograft bone

This is bone that was donated from a cadaver. This type of bone graft is commonly used in spine surgery. The cadaver bone is an acellular bone matrix used as a scaffold to allow your own bone to grow through. Your bone will eventually completely replace the this bone. There is no risk of rejection of the bone graft and risk of disease transmission from the cadaver bone is extremely low (less then 0.01%)

Synthetic bone

These grafts are made from calcium materials and are available in a variety of sizes. These are often called “ceramics” and can be used to augment your own bone.

Bone marrow

Bone marrow is located inside of your long bones and pelvis and contains stem cells. Bone marrow can be harvested during surgery with a needle and then combined with other graft material to increase healing potential.

Biologics or proteins

There are proteins in our bodies that cause new bone to form.  A common type is called bone morphogenic protein (BMP). BMP has been shown to promote fusions, but the side effects of BMP is still under investigation.  A discussion of the risks and benefits of this graft material is important before surgery.

What affects bone fusion?

There are multiple factors that can affect healing and bone fusion including general health, diabetes, vascular disease, and biomechanics.  Smoking is the major modifiable risk factor that reduces bone healing.

Smoking

Smoking has been shown to decrease fusion rates by up to 500%. Smoking cessation can help reverse this trend. It is highly encouraged to stop smoking, stop using smokeless tobacco, and even nicotine patches prior to your surgery to decrease your risk of healing complications.  It is extremely important to tell Dr. Mazahery your history and current smoking, nicotine, and tobacco usage as it may affect the type of bone graft used during surgery.

What are the alternatives to spine surgery?

Many spine conditions can be managed with non-operative treatment options such as medications, physical therapy, and pain management including epidural steroid injections.  Discuss with Dr. Mazahery the benefits of surgical versus non-surgical treatment options.

What are my activity limitations after surgery?

You will have some activity modifications and limitations immediately after spine surgery to allow for proper healing and recovery.  Early mobilization and walking is encouraged after surgery.  Specific limitations for immediate post operative recovery will be outlined in your discharge packet for your procedure.

The long term goal of spine surgery is for you to return to all your normal activities.  After you have healed from your surgery, we encourage you to return to all the activities you enjoy including running, skiing, horseback riding, weightlifting, and many other sports!

What are the alternatives to spine surgery?

Many spine conditions can be managed with non-operative treatment options such as medications, physical therapy, and pain management including epidural steroid injections. Discuss with Dr. Mazahery the benefits of surgical versus non-surgical treatment options.

What are my activity limitations after surgery?

You will have some activity modifications and limitations immediately after spine surgery to allow for proper healing and recovery.  Early mobilization and walking is encouraged after surgery. Specific limitations for immediate post operative recovery will be outlined in your discharge packet for your procedure.

The long term goal of spine surgery is for you to return to all your normal activities. After you have healed from your surgery, we encourage you to return to all the activities you enjoy including running, skiing, horseback riding, weightlifting, and many other sports!

What are the different types of bone graft?

There are various types of bone graft that can be used in a spinal fusion procedure. Discuss with Dr. Mazahery which is the best choice for you.

Autograft

This involves taking bone from one part of your body (commonly your iliac crest) and using it to help fuse another part of your body (a section of your spine). This technique has good fusion rates, but also has some disadvantages. The most common complication of this technique is persistent pain at the site the bone was taken from. This occurs in 25% of cases. There is also a risk of causing weakness and fracture at the harvest site. Due to these risks, harvested autograft is typically reserved for patients deemed to have decreased fusion potential.

Local bone autograft

In most fusion procedures, the bone that was removed from your spine while decompressing the nerves can be saved and used for bone graft. This depends on the amount of bone that is harvested, and may need to be supplemented with additional graft material.

Cadaver/allograft bone

This is bone that was donated from a cadaver. This type of bone graft is commonly used in spine surgery. The cadaver bone is an acellular bone matrix used as a scaffold to allow your own bone to grow through. Your bone will eventually completely replace this bone. There is no risk of rejection of the bone graft and risk of disease transmission from the cadaver bone is extremely low (less then 0.01%)

Synthetic bone

These grafts are made from calcium materials and are available in a variety of sizes. These are often called “ceramics” and can be used to augment your own bone.

Bone marrow

Bone marrow is located inside of your long bones and pelvis and contains stem cells. Bone marrow can be harvested during surgery with a needle and then combined with other graft material to increase healing potential.

Biologics or proteins

There are proteins in our bodies that cause new bone to form. A common type is called bone morphogenic protein (BMP). BMP has been shown to promote fusions, but the side effects of BMP is still under investigation. A discussion of the risks and benefits of this graft material is important before surgery.

What affects bone fusion?

There are multiple factors that can affect healing and bone fusion including general health, diabetes, vascular disease, and biomechanics.  Smoking is the major modifiable risk factor that reduces bone healing.

Smoking

Smoking has been shown to decrease fusion rates by up to 500%.  Smoking cessation can help reverse this trend.  It is highly encouraged to stop smoking, stop using smokeless tobacco, and even nicotine patches prior to your surgery to decrease your risk of healing complications.  It is extremely important to tell Dr. Mazahery your history and current smoking, nicotine, and tobacco usage as it may affect the type of bone graft used during surgery.

What are the alternatives to spine surgery?

Many spine conditions can be managed with non-operative treatment options such as medications, physical therapy, and pain management including epidural steroid injections. Discuss with Dr. Mazahery the benefits of surgical versus non-surgical treatment options.

What are my activity limitations after surgery?

You will have some activity modifications and limitations immediately after spine surgery to allow for proper healing and recovery. Early mobilization and walking is encouraged after surgery. Specific limitations for immediate post operative recovery will be outlined in your discharge packet for your procedure.

The long term goal of spine surgery is for you to return to all your normal activities. After you have healed from your surgery, we encourage you to return to all the activities you enjoy including running, skiing, horseback riding, weightlifting, and many other sports!