Fusion "parts" - not sure what else to call them...

[Mark / Australia]

Hi all,

Recently my partner had a consultation with Dr Matthew Scott-Young at the Gold Coast (Australia), and the short of it is that he's suggested an ADR at L4/L5, and a fusion (apparently some new improved type of fusion) at L5/S1. I can't recall his rationale for that, although that's not my query at the moment.

During the consult he mentioned that along with all the titanium, carbon fibre, and other general Nasa type equipment that goes into fusions these days (or at least the one he'll likely do), that he'd be filling most of the gap not with the normal "filler/bone" but with some kind of protein which he named only as an acronym. I think he called it PBT, but I can't quite recall if that was the correct term.

My question... does anyone know what this protein is he's talking about, and it's correct name?

I'd like to do some research on it, especially since the Doc says that by six weeks she'll likely be doing considerable rehab/training etc (going on his previous patients experience), and the fusion will all bond together extremely quickly without the weeks/months of lying around doing nothing while it all sets in place.

Anyway, if anyone can shed any light on this that would be great - or if you can see that I've confused myself with something please point that out as well.

Cheers all,
Mark

[Harrison]

Hi Mark, welcome. Do you mean BMP?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_morphogenetic_protein

It's been used for many, many years; but there are substantial number of variations. E.g., see the FDA warning on cervical apps in the article library...

[Mark / Australia]

That's the one Harrison! At least I'm pretty sure it is... and on doing some reading it appears to be well known and used for some time like you say. There does appear to be variations and improvements to the original BMP, I guess I'll just have to wait for the next appointment with my other half to ask the Doc directly.

Cheers,
M

[CindyLou]

That's what they used in my fusion, BMP, altho I couldn't tell you which variation. Mainly it was called for because of my osteoporosis...certainly didn't want to graft any bone from me, flunky that I am! I'll keep my fingers crossed (and lots of prayers) that my fusion heals properly and with godspeed. Good luck in the decision making process, Mark, with your partner. You've come to a great place to search for answers.