Any doctors performing ACDF without metal?

@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

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. 😔

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

Good to know! I’m just so scared that I’ll have this revision and be in more pain or it’ll fail. I’m dealing with workman’s comp for this- so everything has been a struggle.

Does your workman’s comp allow you to go to a regional spine center or at least a university setting. I have heard great things about the hospital for special surgery (an orthopedic only hospital, specializes in spine). In New York City

I would assume so, they have sent me to bigger hospitals. My original surgeon had told them to look into out of state hospitals. I’m in NC so I’m not sure if a NY hospital would be possible, but I’d love the name of it, I’ve been trying to compile a list of places that I want my nurse case manager to look into.

Duke has a great reputation overall as a hospital, not sure of its spine reputation. The hospital in New York is actually called the hospital for special surgery
https://www.hss.edu/

Thanks! They sent me to Wake Forest and they were scared away by the metal allergy. Duke will most likely be the next that they contact.