Designed to be a less invasive way to fuse the spine, IBF is generally used for the treatment of back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. When the procedure is performed from the front (anterior) of the spine, a minimally-invasive endoscopic technique may be used. The surgery in the following animation is performed through an anterior approach.
Incision Made
The disc space is approached through an incision in the abdomen. The damaged disc is partially removed, eliminating the inflammatory proteins within the disc.
Spacers Inserted
Temporary spacers are inserted into the empty disc space. This realigns the vertebral bones and lifts pressure from the pinched nerve roots.
Channels Created
The surgeon will now replace the spacers with threaded metal cages. The surgeon creates a channel in the vertebral bones to hold the first cage. The cage is packed with bone graft and screwed tightly into the space.
Second Channel Made
The other temporary spacer is removed and a channel is made for the second cage.
End of Procedure
The morselized bone graft will grow through and around the implants, forming a bone bridge that connects the vertebral bodies. This solid bone bridge is called a fusion.
