West Chester, OH
A 46-year-old female asked:
Spinal fusion 9 weeks ago, ra 13yrs, on mtx, plaquinil & arava, (leflunomide) still not under control. would biologics interefere with bone growth? have bone stimulat
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Theodore Spinksanswered
Neurosurgery 23 years experience
Perhaps: Several medications used to treat RA can interfere with bone growth. You should talk to both your rheumatologist and to your surgeon about what you are taking and whether it should be stopped or changed while your bones are fusing.
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
Neurosurgery 30 years experience
Fusion needs inflam: Spinal fusion requires bone to grow where it was not expected to be previously. This is a desirably inflammatory process. Medications that suppress inflammation can reduce or prevent bone growth and fusion. You should have been told of this risk at the informed consent before your surgery since it is an important medical fact for you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
51 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 19, 2020
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