This surgical procedure is used when there is severe enough disc degeneration and narrowing that more space is needed between the bones of the spine. A small cylinder is placed between the bones of the spine to hold them apart. The cage has holes in it and the bone grows in and around it, holding it in place. This relieves the pressure on the nerves of the spine and patients are usually able to return to a more active lifestyle and control their back pain.

The purpose of a spinal fusion is to eliminate painful motion that occurs at that spinal segment.

There are many techniques used to fuse spinal segments. The main advantage touted in favor of the BAK cage is that it can be done through a limited exposure.

The BAK cage is typically inserted from the anterior or frontal approach via a laparoscopic procedure. Thus it requires no large incision and tissue trauma can be limited. Recovery time is thereby minimized.

The BAK cage allows the patient to be up and about without a hard plastic brace. However, the BAK fusion cage depends on the bone healing from one vertebra through the cage to the other vertebra. It is imperative that the patient not smoke. Smoking decreases blood supply (because of the nicotine). Spinal fusions require a good blood supply to heal and the process can take up to 4 months.

Once the pinch on the nerve is removed, the patients legs feel better and stronger almost immediately. The patient will experience moderate back discomfort, however. A lumbar corset can be worn for support. The intense back pain resolves quickly (2-3 days), but the residual nagging back ache lasts up until the fusion is healed.

The procedure must still be considered experimental. It is not widely available. It is also technically demanding and takes allot of experience to master the technique. At this time there is promise for the procedure, but one must be very cautious about pursuing the surgery, reviewing the credentials and experience of the surgeons.