As we age, our spinal discs break down, or degenerate, which may result in degenerative disc disease (DDD) in some people. In reality, DDD is not a disease but an expression used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age, and describes the symptoms of pain, radiating weakness or numbness caused by a degenerated spinal disc. Spinal fusion surgery for DDD involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with bone graft, often from the patient’s own hip, that will “fuse” the vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.
WHAT IS INFUSE BONE GRAFT?
An alternative to taking bone graft from a patient is using the Infuse® Bone Graft and LT-Cage® Device, which is surgically placed where the new bone growth is needed to stimulate bone growth and replace damaged spinal disks. The Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft is not approved for any other uses but it has been used off-label in cervical spine/neck procedures.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Infuse Bone Grafts are risky, and can cause dangerous side effects. Some of the common side effects include inflammatory or allergic reactions, back and leg pain, implant displacement, infection, male sterility, bone injury, urinary problems and a possible increased cancer risk. Complications can also include the need for respiratory support, insertion of feeding tubes, anti-inflammatory medications, tracheotomies, and additional surgery. More serious complications include compression of the airway causing difficulty breathing or swallowing, nerve damage and even death.
LITIGATION
The Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft has been linked to life-threatening complications in patients who were given Medtronic off-label. Medtronic has been accused of paying off doctors to use its products, intentionally hiding adverse side effects from doctors, patients, and patients’ families, and using deceptive marketing practices. Since Infuse Bone Grafts were released in 2002, it is estimated that several thousand people have been injured by this defective product and Medtronic’s deceiving marketing practices. If you or anyone you know has been injured by this defective medical device, or any other medical device, please call Madeksho Law Firm, PLLC for legal advice. They will explain your legal rights and how they can help get the compensation you deserve.
