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The infuse bone grafting substance is a liquid bioengineered bone morphogenic protein commonly
referred to as BMP. During surgery BMP is applied to collagen sponges that are housed
in a small metal container known as a LT cage. The LT cage is implanted into the spine between
vertebrae and functions like scaffolding to support the spine while knew bone grows between
the vertebrae. In 2002 the United States, Food and Drug Administration approve the infuse
bone graft system solely for one type of spinal fusion surgery; anterior approach lumbar fusion.
Infuse was not and still is not approved for other types of spine surgeries. Such as lateral/
posterior approach lumbar fusion surgeries or for surgery on the neck or cervical spine.
Despite its limited authorized use, we allege that Medtronic promoted the infuse system
to surgeons to use on patients for off label uses. When infuse is used off label such in
a cervical spine surgery it often causes ectopic or exuberant bone growth onto or around the
spinal cord. When a patients nerves are compressed by ectopic bone grown he or she may experience
among other side effects; never damage, paralysis, ectopic bone cysts or even death.