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Any doctors performing ACDF without metal?
Spine Health | Last Active: Aug 3, 2025 | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
@flyingfree375 Great question! I asked that question too. I don't know if spinal hardware plates exist that are not made from metals. I did have a C5/C6 fusion done with no hardware with just a donor bone disc spacer. I had to stay in a neck brace for 3 months until it fused. This is how they did spine fusions before the metal plates were invented. If you only need one level fused, it may be an option. That is a decision between you and the surgeon who needs to know that they can trust you to take care and not do anything that could cause the surgery to fail. I have metal allergies too that I suspected at the time of my spine surgery. My surgeon is Dr. Jeremy Fogelson at Mayo in Rochester, MN. He is excellent, kind and compassionate.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/fogelson-jeremy-l-m-d/bio-20055624
Replies to "@flyingfree375 Great question! I asked that question too. I don't know if spinal hardware plates exist..."
I also had a five level fusion in 1988 before plates and screws were common using bone from my hip, I have always been told my MRIs show an excellent result. I had my surgery at John’s Hopkins
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Thank you for responding! This is what I was afraid of. I was really hoping to hear that there was a non metal option out there.
My doctors have mentioned doing a fusion without the hardware but seem to be against it. They have continually told me how unsuccessful the surgery is and the long recovery time. I’m not sure if they’re hesitant bc the method isn’t used much now or since the artificial disc surgery wasn’t successful. I personally want a high success rate if they’re going jn a second time. I already have continued pain, muscle spasm (under the scar) and limited range of motion from the first surgery. Unfortunately, it’s workman’s comp, so they’re not pushing for more opinions/options. 😔