Re: Ray Threaded Fusion Cage Device - Patient Information
From: Jean Long (creative@enter.net)
Mon Oct 29 02:22:31 2001
Thanks for the info. Helen D.!
I don't think I will have too many options other than surgery if they are
willing to do it.
I can't tolerate pain pills (throw up and also more severe constipation),
therapy made me much worse, can't wear a brace because of my hiatal hernia,
can't take anti-inflammatory pills due to my ulcer, and my chiropractor
wouldn't even touch me.
Won't know until after my EMG on Nov.12 if or what they plan to do to help
me.
I think I just need to be fixed since I can't keep going with only sitting
on a chair my entire life.
Pain doctor said I could also get sick on the Pain Patch as well as the
pills, and I am not crazy about the thought of getting a pain pump put in me
so I think I'll pass on that one.
Already tried the Epidural shots and they didn't work either.
I don't even know that I have alot of hip bone left to take for use with
that device.
The good one has degeneration now probably from the extra abuse it is taking
for the bad one.
JEAN
An understanding friend is better than a therapist....
and cheaper too!
-----Original Message-----
From: adhesions@adhesions.org [mailto:adhesions@adhesions.org]On Behalf Of
Helen Dynda
Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2001 5:44 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS
Subject: Ray Threaded Fusion Cage Device - Patient Information
[] Ray Threaded Fusion Cage Device - Patient Information
http://www.surgicaldynamics.com/spine/ray_tfc/patient_info.html
Introduction
This Patient Information Brochure was developed to help you make an
informed decision about back surgery, specifically with the Ray TFC™ device
or the Ray TFC™ Unite device.
What are the Ray TFC™ and Ray TFC™ Unite devices?
There are two versions of the Ray Threaded Fusion Cage™ (Ray TFC™) Device.
The standard Ray TFC™ device is a hollow threaded cylinder with holes. The
Ray TFC™ Unite device is a hollow threaded cylinder with holes that has
flattened sides. The flat sides of the Unite device allow the surgeon to
place two devices in close proximity to each other. Both versions of the
device are made of titanium metal alloy, which is compatible with the human
body. At each end of the devices is an end cap made of the plastic ultra
high molecular weight polyethylene. This plastic is also compatible with the
human body. The devices are filled with bone taken from your hip. Depending
on your doctor's preference or your spinal anatomy, two standard Ray TFC™
devices, two Ray TFC™ Unite devices, or one of each are to be implanted for
each level of fusion along the spine.
Which Patients Might Benefit?
In your lower back, there are five moveable bones or vertebrae that make
up the lumbar spine. Between each vertebra is a cushion-like material called
a disc. All bending, twisting, and turning movements occur through the
discs. Your disc can wear down (degenerate) or dry out and cause some of
your disc spaces to collapse. This may produce leg and back pain.
Based on your examination, your doctor is considering spinal surgery using
the Ray TFC™ device or Ray TFC™ Unite device. This is because your doctor
has found that you have low back pain due to a condition called degenerative
disc disease (DDD). The purpose of this surgery is to stabilize and fuse one
or two disc spaces of your spine and relieve your pain.
Although your doctor is planning to use the Ray TFC™ device or Ray TFC™
Unite device for your condition, you should be aware that there are
alternative treatments to this type of surgery. Non-operative alternative
treatments may include, but are not limited to, physical therapy,
medications, braces, chiropractic care, or exercise programs. In addition,
there are alternative spinal fusion techniques. These include, but are not
limited to, anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedures without
instrumentation, combined anterior and posterolateral (360°) fusion
procedures, anterior/anterolateral spinal systems (e.g. plate and screw
systems), or posterior spinal systems (e.g. hook and rod systems). If you
want information on these options, please discuss them with your doctor.
The Ray TFC™ device and Ray TFC™ Unite device are approved for use in
patients with DDD.
Your doctor will determine that you have DDD if you have back pain caused
by disc degeneration, and if you have one of the following conditions: the
disc has gotten thinner, the disc has moved out of its space, there is
scarring of the tissue in the area, the surface that touches the disc is
worn or changed, or there is more bone being formed on the vertebra. Your
doctor confirms that you have these conditions by looking at radiographic
evidence (X-rays, CT scan, MRI), and by looking at the history of your back
problems. Patients with DDD may also have limited forward slippage of one
vertebra over the other vertebra below (Grade I spondylolisthesis). The Ray
TFC™ device or Ray TFC™ Unite device, filled with bone taken from your hip,
may be implanted from the 2nd lumbar disc (L2) down to the sacrum. Only one
or two disc spaces are to be fused. Patients being considered for this
surgery should be skeletally mature (at least 18 years old) and have had at
least six months of non-operative (conservative) treatment.
[ To read the rest of this article, please go to the above web site. ]
Contraindications/Warnings
The Surgery
After Surgery
Potential Complications
Clinical Results
Glossary of Terms
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