What is TruFUSE?

What is TruFUSE?

The TruFUSE is a bony peg type implant Dr. Pazmino places between the facet joints of the lumbar spine to induce a facet joint fusion. Dr. Pazmino uses TruFUSE implants to. Separate the joint surfaces to stabilize and reduce inflammation.

What is involved in facet joint surgery?

A facetectomy involves trimming parts of a facet joint to remove excess bone (bone spurs) that may impinge on spinal nerves and/or the spinal cord.

What is the meaning of facet joint?

Small joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae. There are two facet joints at each level of the vertebral column, providing stability to the spinal column while allowing movement. Facet joints are encased with facet joint capsules, which contain fluid that protects and lubricates the joints.

What does a facet do?

Facets are synovial joints that are lined with cartilage, lubricated in synovial fluid and covered by a joint capsule. Healthy facet joints glide and slide as the back moves, but prevent over-twisting. Figure 1. Side view of the spine shows a normal disc and facet joint (top).

Can you have surgery for facet joint pain?

Only in extremely rare situations is immediate surgery required for facet syndrome. The neurosurgeons of the Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Comprehensive Spine Care may recommend surgery if: Conservative treatments prove ineffective. It is difficult to stand or walk.

How long does a facet block procedure take?

No sutures are needed. You may be taken to an observation area for several hours. If you were sedated, your IV line will be removed before you are discharged. The entire procedure is usually completed within 30 minutes.

Do Facet block injections hurt?

The pain after facet joint injections varies from patient to patient. The first few days after the injection, the patient may still experience the pain felt before the injection until the steroid takes effect.

Can you drive after a facet block?

As mentioned, you should not drive on the day of your facet joint injection. If your doctor used sedation, do not drive for at least 24 hours after the injection.

How long do facet injections take to work?

The steroid in a facet joint injection does not start working immediately. It typically takes between two and seven days for patients to start to experience a reduction in pain. Immediately after the injection, however, there will be some relief thanks to the local anesthetic used.

Do facet injections cause weight gain?

Adverse effects (usually temporary) related to the cortisone/steroid component of the injection may include: Weight gain.

How much does a facet block injection cost?

How Much Does a Facet Injection Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Facet Injection ranges from $1,028.00 to $2,089. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

You may experience full pain relief or just some pain relief or even none. As mentioned, you should not drive on the day of your facet joint injection. If your doctor used sedation, do not drive for at least 24 hours after the injection. It would help if you also avoid strenuous activities on the day of the injection.

How is trufuse used in lumbar spinal fusion?

If Dr. Maroon has recommended a lumbar fusion, he now typically uses a facet fusion system called TruFUSE™ . TruFUSE™ is a small cylinder (depicted below in blue) of bone that is inserted into the unstable facet joint in order to lock it in place.

When do you need a facet fusion surgery?

Facet fusion is used when the conservative methods are not a viable solution. The vertebrae in the affected area will be fused together to stop all movement in the joints. Eliminating the movement of the facet joints eliminates the pain. In some cases, one or more facet joints may be fused to further ease painful…

Is there evidence of facet fracture or trufuse dislodgement?

No evidence of post–operative facet fracture or TruFUSE™ bone dowel dislodgement on any post-operative x-rays including flexion and extension Of course, no two patients will experience the same results. This information is merely intended to help you better understand the underlying problem and the surgery options.

How is a facet spacer used in surgery?

The procedure is performed to permanently cure facet mediated pain. A spacer is placed into the facet joint to stabilize it and stop the joint from rubbing on the nerve, and thus stops the pain. This is a simple outpatient procedure with a quick recovery; most patients are back to work within a week. Is a Facet Fusion the Right Treatment for me?

If Dr. Maroon has recommended a lumbar fusion, he now typically uses a facet fusion system called TruFUSE™ . TruFUSE™ is a small cylinder (depicted below in blue) of bone that is inserted into the unstable facet joint in order to lock it in place.

Is there a less invasive facet fusion surgery?

Minimally invasive facet fusion surgery does not involve the cutting of muscles. There is no risk of injury to the tissues and muscles. Less pain: Traditional facet fusion can cause significant amounts of pain and discomfort after the surgery due to the large incisions that are made.

No evidence of post–operative facet fracture or TruFUSE™ bone dowel dislodgement on any post-operative x-rays including flexion and extension Of course, no two patients will experience the same results. This information is merely intended to help you better understand the underlying problem and the surgery options.

What kind of surgery do they do for facet syndrome?

This type of surgery causes less trauma than older surgical methods and requires much less time in the hospital. Minimally invasive lumbar fusion: This surgery fuses the bones of the spine in the lower back together so that there is no longer any motion between them. This reduces spinal pressure, pain, and nerve damage.