Explore surgeries / Spinal Fusion Explained
New research, guidelines and FDA decisions, each with a note on what it might change in a conversation with your surgeon, how certain it is, and links to the original sources.
How we choose news. Nothing here is sponsored. Mentioning a product isn't an endorsement, and an FDA clearance means a device was found substantially equivalent to existing ones, not proven better. Updated November 2026.
SI-BONE received 510(k) clearance for its iFuse Granite Onyx system, intended for patients with compromised bone and its first such product for use outside the pelvis.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: Weak bone is a common reason fusions struggle, so ask how your bone density affects the plan. A 510(k) clearance doesn't show this device works better than other options.
Sources: Becker's Spine
A retrospective study of 168 minimally invasive TLIF patients found cage collapse in 20.5% with one Medtronic expandable cage versus 1.8% with a comparison cage. The authors said the nonrandomized design can't prove the cage caused it.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: Early, nonrandomized findings, but a reasonable thing to ask about if an expandable cage is planned.
Sources: Becker's Spine
Life Spine's VersaLift and Xenix Medical's Lux expandable lumbar interbody systems received 510(k) clearance for minimally invasive fusion approaches.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: Expandable cages aim to restore disc height through smaller incisions. Long-term comparisons with standard cages are limited.
Sources: Medical Economics · HospiMedica
The FDA approved the LimiFlex Dynamic Sagittal Tether for lumbar stenosis with grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis after decompression. In its pivotal trial, two-year results were non-inferior to instrumented fusion.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: For a narrow group of patients, stabilization without fusion is now an option. Ask whether you'd qualify.
Sources: Company announcement
The FDA approved Medtronic's Infuse Bone Graft for one- or two-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), used with a cleared cage and screw-and-rod system.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: If a growth-factor graft is proposed, ask why it suits you and what the specific risks are.
Sources: FDA summary (PDF)
Business, product and professional-society developments. Useful background, but less likely to change your own decision.
ORTHOWORLD estimates Medtronic and Globus Medical account for nearly 43% of global spine sales, with fast-growing ATEC next tier and Stryker's implants now sold by VB Spine.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: The company matters less than the surgeon and the indication, but it explains why your hospital may favor certain brands.
Sources: ORTHOWORLD
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