How Cervical Fusion Surgery Helped Jeff Return to His Artistic Passion
Cervical Fusion Surgery: Finding Relief from Severe Pain
When artist Jeff McClung developed severe shoulder pain radiating across his upper body, he feared he might lose the ability to paint and draw. After consulting with spine specialist Dr. Jason McGowan, he learned he had cervical spine compression at two levels: C5-C6 and C6-C7.
The pressure on his spinal cord and nerve roots required a two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedure. Dr. McGowan performed the surgery using advanced Orthofix Spine technologies, including the Shoreline™ ACS Anterior Cervical System and Admiral™ ACP Anterior Cervical Plate System, providing stability and alignment critical for healing.
Supporting Fusion with OsteoStrand™ Plus Biologics
To further strengthen Jeff’s recovery, his care team incorporated OsteoStrand™ Plus from Orthofix Biologics. This biologic solution is designed to:
- Promote natural bone growth at the fusion site with both an early and sustained release of growth factors1
- Enhance spinal fusion success rates with osteoconductive DBM fibers that expand to fill gaps in the interbody space2
- Provide a carrier-free option for surgeons looking to maximize the osteoinductive benefits of their DBM3
By combining advanced biologics with proven surgical techniques, Jeff’s team maximized his chances for long-term fusion success.
At-Home Recovery with CervicalStim™ Bone Growth Therapy
Recovery didn’t stop in the operating room. Based on his surgeon’s assessment that he met the criteria for adjunctive bone growth therapy in support of his cervical fusion, Jeff was prescribed the CervicalStim™ device—the only FDA-approved bone growth stimulator for cervical fusions.
This noninvasive therapy uses pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to promote bone healing. Jeff wore the device daily from home, allowing him to actively participate in his recovery.
“The unit was great, and I didn’t have to use it very long,” Jeff recalled. “I think it was a total success, and when my doctor recommends something, I’m there.”
Returning to Painting and Joy
Thanks to advanced cervical fusion solutions, biologics, and bone growth therapy, Jeff is once again creating the art that brings him joy.
“Painting for me is a journey, and the journey leads to joy, and I’m back on that path again,” Jeff shared.
A Comprehensive Approach to Spine Healing
Jeff’s story demonstrates the power of integrated solutions across Orthofix Spine, Biologics, and Bone Growth Therapy:
- Shoreline™ ACS and Admiral™ ACP – surgical implants that provide stability
- OsteoStrand™ Plus – advanced biologic designed to promote bone healing
- CervicalStim™ Bone Growth Therapy – FDA-approved at-home device supporting fusion success
At Orthofix, we’re dedicated to helping patients and surgeons achieve optimal results so people like Jeff can return to the activities that matter most.
👉 Learn more about our comprehensive spine solutions:
- Spine – Advanced surgical solutions for complex conditions
- Biologics – Biologic innovations that promote natural bone growth
- Bone Growth Therapy – FDA-approved devices for fusion success
Disclaimer
The patient story above reflects an individual’s response to treatment. It is not intended to provide medical advice or any guarantee of the response other people may have to treatment. Responses to the treatment can and do vary. Please consult a qualified medical provider for diagnoses and treatment. For full information on indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse reactions information, and sterilization, please visit www.Orthofix.com
References
- Data on file
- Russell, N., Walsh, W. R., Lovric, V., Kim, P., Chen, J. H., Larson, M. J., & Vizesi, F. (2020). In-vivo performance of seven commercially available demineralized bone matrix fiber and putty products in a rat posterolateral fusion model. Frontiers in Surgery, 7, 10.
- Martin Jr, G. J., Boden, S. D., Titus, L., & Scarborough, N. L. (1999). New formulations of demineralized bone matrix as a more effective graft alternative in experimental posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis. Spine, 24(7), 637-645