Question:

I had a herniation removed from lumbar 4/5. I developed MRSA in the disc that they removed the hernitation from. The MRSA has removed all the cartilage and the two discs are now bone on bone. I am being told that the disc may naturaly fuse togeather on it`s own.  Is this possible?

Answer:

Hello, thank you for your question. It turns out that cartilage is a very effective barrier to bone growth or bone fusion. If you take away the cartilage (i.e. disc) between two vertebrae, it’s actually pretty common for them to just fuse together. I’ve seen patients who fused all by themselves a while after having a disc infection, so it’s definitely possible. I hope you heal up and get better. Good luck.

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Go to the Spine and Back Health health topic.