Frequently Asked Questions

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the traditional bone cement used in the CemLIF procedure. It was first introduced in orthopedic surgery in the 1950s and has been used in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of procedures since then.

The bone cement used in the CemLIF is an FDA-cleared medical device intended for use in surgeries of the hip, knee, and other joints for the fixation of implants to living bone. The FDA has not cleared it for use with implants in spinal surgeries, but as a licensed physician Dr. Frenkel is permitted by law to use the bone cement “off label” in spinal surgeries.

The published complication rate and risks from the use of bone cement are much lower than from placing screws into someone's spine. Bone cement is used every day by surgeons around the world in various orthopedic surgeries.

In a traditional lumbar fusion with screws and rods, osteopenic or osteoporotic patients often require the use of special cement screws. These screws have holes along the shaft that cement can be injected through to better secure the them in place. We believe that the way bone cement is used in the CemLIF provides similar, if not better, stability.

Cement augmentation stabilizes the spine effectively without screws and rods, creating a secure fusion while reducing postoperative discomfort and the need for additional hardware.

Many patients can resume light activities within a few weeks after surgery, with a gradual return to more strenuous activities as healing progresses. Dr. Frenkel will provide guidance on a safe timeline based on your recovery.

Recovery from CemLIF is typically faster and less painful than traditional fusion surgeries, as the procedure minimizes tissue disruption and avoids large incisions. Many patients experience reduced pain and a quicker return to normal activities. For three months after surgery, it is extremely important that you not engage in strenuous physical activity or otherwise lifting more than 10 pounds or bending or twisting.

The length and ease of recovery is typically dependent on the patient’s age and overall physical health and the complexity of the procedure. A healthy lifestyle will facilitate your recovery. An unhealthy lifestyle, including alcohol, tobacco, and/or an unhealthy diet may prolong your recovery.

In every case, patients must remain in the hospital until their pain is controlled and can meet post-surgical milestones, which typically takes 1-2 days following the surgery but which can take longer if recovery is slower. Some patients may be required to perform in-patient rehabilitation exercises prior to discharge.