Bone stimulators
Bone stimulators, which emit low electrical currents,
can be used to stimulate bone growth and enhance the
spinal fusion. Bone stimulators can either be implanted
(internal) or worn on the outside of the spine (external).
The internal bone stimulators have a battery
pack that is placed under the skin, with wires that
lay on top of the transverse processes (a muscle attachment
site) in the posterolateral gutter.
Generally, patients will want the battery pack removed
at a later date (after six to twelve months) because
it creates a lump under the skin. Removing the pack
is a simple procedure that is done under local anesthesia.
The external bone stimulators do not require
a separate procedure for removal, but carry the added
inconvenience for patients of having to wear an external
appliance. Some physicians also question the rate of
patient compliance with wearing this device, although
some products have software that can monitor compliance.
Bone stimulators are most typically employed for patients
who have a lower likelihood of obtaining a solid fusion,
such as for patients with multilevel fusions, revision
surgery (after a failed fusion), or for smokers. Both
internal and external stimulators are expensive ($3,000-$5,000),
but they can be worth the expense if they help result
in solid fusions for patients who need the extra help.
By: Peter
F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
September 8, 1999 (Updated March 30, 2001)
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