Fusion cages: Info please!

  Help! Need any information, research, studies, or data regarding fusion cages. I understand that this is a fairly new proceedure, and good info may be unattainable, but surely there must be some opinions out there. What might the advantages or disadvantages be verses conventional fusions. This type of proceedure has been recomended to me by two different neurosurgeons. If you do not have any info or opinions regarding this proceedure, could you direct me to someone who might. Thanking you in advance for your reply.   Phil

[CCF Neurosurgery MD/GM]

Dear Phil:
Without knowing exactly what type of spinal problem you have it is difficult to give you precise information. As you do say however, these fusion cages are new and there is not the wealth of information that we may have on the more conventional types of fusion.
There are many different types of cages on the market now and I think your questions may be better answered if we are to know which cages are being recommended to you. If you have any additional information please let us know so that we are better able to answer your question.