Question 1

how can electrical bone growth stimulator help with spine fusion?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps: The basic science shows effectiveness, but its use in people has produced conflicting results. It may be useful if you are at risk for not healing a fusion. Some risk factors include tobacco use, prior failed attempts at fusion in the same area of your back, multiple level fusion. Talk to your doctor. Check to see if your insurance covers it.

Question 2

after the long bones growth plates fuse, could the spinal growth plates be open still? and if not, can the the spine discs increase in thickness?

Accepted Answer

Yes &amp; no: Growth plates may remain open but the disk spaces will not increase.

Question 3

is it possible for the spine to catch up growing with  long bones? e.g. after the long bone growth plates are through, the spine grows to proportion?

Accepted Answer

Anything possible...: Depends on whether your growth plates in your spine are closed or not.  Other than that, anything is possible.  Predictable, less likely.

Question 4

if all growth plates in long bones are closed, can your spine still grow? will testosterone lengthen the spine if it can grow?

Accepted Answer

Likely not: Your stated age of 19 would suggest that your growth in height is complete.  There may be open growth plates yet but these do not contribute to height.

Question 5

why are bone growth stimulators used? 3 level cervical spine fusion 2 weeks ago. no xrays or anything but was told i was going to be given a bone growth stimulator at my appointment. seems a little premature?

Accepted Answer

: Much better, and more accurate explanation, can be obtained from your surgeon.  But would gather there is concern of an incomplete fusion or a bony nonunion, especially if there is a history of cigarette smoking.

Question 6

can you have an extra bone in your spine to makecurve?

Accepted Answer

Usually a partially : Usually a wedge shaped vertebra partially formed on 1 side causes the curve tho it could b an extra body partially formed on 1 side of the spine can cause a curve.

Question 7

could the extra vertebrate in my tail bone/spine cause the pressure/pain in my lower back?

Accepted Answer

Most unlikely, as: You have had that since birth, and didn't cause any problems. Usually they are found by accident on xrays done for something.

Question 8

hi, just hit my upper spine against a hard surface,comes with shoulderache as well.is it a bone prob or tissue probem? should i seek medical advice?

Accepted Answer

Contusion: You have likely bruised the affected tissues including bone. A direct blow is unlikely to cause a fracture. If you have persistent pain or any symptoms of numbness or tingling in your extremities or loss of  extremity muscle strength, see your doctor for imaging. Otherwise treat the symptoms. All the best.

Question 9

if i snapped my leg bones and it my spine and stretched could i grow 4inches taller?

Accepted Answer

You would: likely end up with pain and deformity, as the traction to cause a long bone to lengthen following fracture would need to be specific and constant. That is the principle behind the Ilizarov procedure, however, which utilizes a surgical break of the bone shaft and an external fixation device to lengthen long bones/correct deformities. Don't try it at home!

Question 10

what chronic disease eats bone in the spine?

Accepted Answer

TB OR POT'S DISEASE: this is not very common any more, but still exists in the USA. the para-spinal abscesses erode the bone.

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Doctor answers about:

Extra bone growth on spine

A member asked:

How can electrical bone growth stimulator help with spine fusion?

A member asked:

After the long bones growth plates fuse, could the spinal growth plates be open still? and if not, can the the spine discs increase in thickness?

A member asked:

Is it possible for the spine to catch up growing with long bones? e.g. after the long bone growth plates are through, the spine grows to proportion?

A member asked:

If all growth plates in long bones are closed, can your spine still grow? will testosterone lengthen the spine if it can grow?

A member asked:

Why are bone growth stimulators used? 3 level cervical spine fusion 2 weeks ago. no xrays or anything but was told i was going to be given a bone growth stimulator at my appointment. seems a little premature?

A member asked:

Can you have an extra bone in your spine to makecurve?

A member asked:

Could the extra vertebrate in my tail bone/spine cause the pressure/pain in my lower back?

A member asked:

Hi, just hit my upper spine against a hard surface,comes with shoulderache as well.is it a bone prob or tissue probem? should i seek medical advice?

A member asked:

If i snapped my leg bones and it my spine and stretched could i grow 4inches taller?

A member asked:

What chronic disease eats bone in the spine?

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