ACTIFUSE FLOW vs ACTIFUSE MIS for MIS spine fusion
For surgeons in University Hospitals Cleveland, OH choosing a bone graft for MIS TLIF.
You're doing an MIS TLIF at University Hospitals Cleveland and need a bone graft that flows through a narrow cannula without clogging. You're not sure whether to use the FLOW syringe or the MIS delivery system. Both are silicate-substituted calcium phosphate, but the delivery matters.
ACTIFUSE FLOW comes in a syringe for precise, low-pressure delivery into tight bony spaces. It works well for contained defects where you can see the area directly. If you're working through a small portal and need to fill a far corner, ACTIFUSE MIS gives you more control. The MIS system has a longer reach and is built for minimally invasive spine and orthopedic procedures.
Cost depends on the delivery system and how much graft you need. FLOW is often faster and less expensive for straightforward cases. MIS may cost more because of the specialized applicator, but it can save time when accessing difficult areas. Talk to your rep about pricing for your specific setup at University Hospitals Cleveland.
This week, decide based on your surgical approach. For a simple TLIF with a contained disc space, FLOW is usually enough. For multilevel cases or hard-to-reach corners, use MIS. Elite Surgical can bring both systems to your OR for a side-by-side trial. Call to schedule an in-service.
Once you choose the right delivery system, the graft flows smoothly and fills the defect. You get the same 93% fusion rate as BMP-2 without the inflammation risk. No bone harvested from the hip. Your patient leaves with less back pain and a solid fusion.
Other things people in University Hospitals Cleveland ask
bone graft harvest site pain alternatives
Stop harvesting from the iliac crest. A synthetic bone graft substitute like ACTIFUSE removes the second surgical site entirely. No harvest means no donor site pain, no extra scar, and one less thing to manage post-op. The fusion rates are the same without the extra morbidity.
bone graft substitute for smokers spine fusion
Look for a synthetic graft with published fusion data in high-risk patients. ACTIFUSE has a 93% fusion rate in an independent spine study, comparable to BMP-2, without the need to harvest hip bone. Discuss smoking cessation, but choose a graft that has shown strong results even when patient compliance is imperfect.
cost of bone graft substitute per level spine fusion
Calculate the all-in cost: graft price, OR time for harvest, donor site pain management, and readmissions for nonunion. A synthetic graft like ACTIFUSE often costs more up front but eliminates harvest-related expenses. Ask your rep for a cost-per-fusion analysis that includes complication avoidance.
bone graft substitute migration spine fusion
Small amounts of graft migration outside the intended area are common and often do not harm the fusion. If the graft is far from the fusion site or compressing a nerve, revision may be needed. Check the CT carefully for any contact with neural structures. If there are no symptoms and the bulk of graft is in place, monitor the fusion progress on the next scan.
best bone graft substitute for multilevel spine fusion
Look for a graft with clinical data in multilevel fusions. A synthetic graft with a high published fusion rate, like ACTIFUSE (93% in a large series), can be a strong choice. Avoid grafts that rely on the patient's own bone growth factors if the patient is a smoker or has poor biology. Consider a moldable form to cover the long fusion bed evenly.
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Elite Surgical handles spine fusion in University Hospitals Cleveland and the area around it.