Why is my doctor using a sponge with the INFUSEĀ® Bone Graft/LT-CAGEĀ® Device? What will happen to the sponge, will my body absorb it like a suture?
As I already mentioned, the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device is a combination product. There's the collagen sponge, and then there's the bone protein that's dripped onto it. The body eventually absorbs the sponge and protein like a suture or another bioabsorbable material. There will be no evidence of the sponge or the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device after a few months.
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The INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device has to be highly concentrated to create bone growth, therefore it is put onto a biodegradable sponge and encased. The sponge dissolves similar to sutures.
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We use the small collagen sponges all the time in surgeries to help stop blood loss or small bleeding. The sponge basically forms a little blood
clot, which is normal, and then your body dissolves the sponge typically in a matter of weeks.
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The sponge is made from collagen which is a naturally occurring protein in your body. Over time it will be absorbed and replaced with bone.
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The purpose of the sponge is to keep the protein in the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device at the site of desired bone formation and to provide a scaffold on which to form the new bone. The sponge will resorb as the new bone forms and eventually will completely disappear and be replaced by bone.
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The sponge allows the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device to stay in the area where bone production is needed. As bone is being produced, the sponge is absorbed by the body.
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That's a very good analogy. The collagen sponge will absorb like a suture. The sponge is important, for the BMP2 to work, you have to keep it localized to the surgical site. What the sponge does is hold on to the BMP and allow it to work. The sponge is eventually reabsorbed and replaced by bone cells during the fusion process.
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Surgeons choose to use the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device because it forms a solid fusion without the pain of a bone graft from the patients own hip. With less surgical pain and a more successful surgical outcome, both patient and surgeon are happier. The sponge is incorporated into the new bone that forms.
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The sponge with the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device is turned into bone. This bone is unable to be differentiated from any other bone in your body, thus, the sponges can be absorbed similar to suture.
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The sponge helps keep the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device concentrated at the site where it is implanted, which helps it to work for a longer period of time. Your body completely breaks down this sponge material. None of the sponge will remain.
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Exactly. The sponge is absorbable so over time it will disappear. Initially it is used to hold the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Device in place.
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Important Safety Information
The commentary above recounts the experiences of these physicians. Medtronic invited them to share their stories candidly. Keep in mind that results vary; not every patient's response is the same. Talk with your doctor to learn more about any products that are mentioned above.
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications and benefits of spinal surgery with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your doctor's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
