Introduction: Bone growth (osteogenesis) stimulation devices, (BGSD) provide a safe, noninvasive treatment that promotes bone growth in spinal fusions hampered by chronic disease and previous surgery. The devices stimulate the certain tissue and vascular growth factors by sending low-level pulses of electromagnetic energy to the injury or fusion site. The authorship discuss the known indications of diabetes, pseudoarthrosis and osteopenia, but assert the added indication of high risk patients with failed back syndrome and pain management patterns assisted as well.

Methods: The ease of external Bone Growth Stimulation Devices, (BGSD) has afforded complex spinal practices with a mechanism to evaluate both compliance and use. A cursory review of patient prescribed stimulator is reviewed, clearly outlining the comorbidities and the diagnosis's necessitating the added use of this technology. Further discussion about recommended patterns and time periods of use are also mentioned.

Results: Collective data retrieval from a three year retrospective revealed an annual increase in successive BGSD usage year to date. This augmentation in use (2012 = 253, 2013 = 281, 2014 = 313)exemplifies the 10 - 15% increase in usage reflective of the higher acuity patient and their perioperative care.

Conclusions: The apperception surrounding fail back syndromes are suspect when osteopenia or chronic disease augments the pre-operative acuity and potentially the operative outcome.

Patient Care: Adjunct methodology available for complex spinal fusion patients.

Learning Objectives: Failed Back Syndrome Bone Growth Stimulator Device Indications for Use

References: 1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2762251/