A 42 year old right handed male fell down while running because of paralysis of both his lower limbs. At the time of admission it was noted that he also had lost all muscle power in both his upper limbs! He also had lost control over his bladder and bowels. An urgent MRI was ordered which showed 2 level disc prolapse at C4 and C5 and C5 C6 vertebrae. These disc prolapses were pressing against the spinal cord resulting in his paralysis.
Few years ago we would have removed the offending discs and put patient’s own bone (removed from the hip area) and asked him to wear a collar (belt) for 3 months. With the new PEEk cages available of the shelf life was easier.I removed the disc material and inseted these ready to use (sterile) cages between the two vertebrae. In the X-ray below I have labeeled the vertebrae iin the necjk from 1 to 7 and you can see cages between 4/5 and 5/6. These cages are stronger than bone so the patient can freely mobilize. They also have built in bone grafts so that the extra surgery on the hip is avoided ( less pain). The surgical time is saved.. last but not the least they are MRi compatible which means MRi in future is easily possible!
Not surprisingly this gentleman had a full recovery and is back to work.within 3 months!
Few years ago we would have removed the offending discs and put patient’s own bone (removed from the hip area) and asked him to wear a collar (belt) for 3 months. With the new PEEk cages available of the shelf life was easier.I removed the disc material and inseted these ready to use (sterile) cages between the two vertebrae. In the X-ray below I have labeeled the vertebrae iin the necjk from 1 to 7 and you can see cages between 4/5 and 5/6. These cages are stronger than bone so the patient can freely mobilize. They also have built in bone grafts so that the extra surgery on the hip is avoided ( less pain). The surgical time is saved.. last but not the least they are MRi compatible which means MRi in future is easily possible!
Not surprisingly this gentleman had a full recovery and is back to work.within 3 months!
