Expert Advice   Print Version Q. My doctor has suggested that I have a spine fusion surgery using a metal plate in my back. What are the chances my body will reject the metal plate? A. The body rarely rejects the metals that are used in surgical implants. Most metal implants used in spine fusions are made of either stainless steel or titanium. Alloys are another type of metal that may be used in a fusion surgery. An alloy is a mixture of several metals such as cobalt, chrome, and nickel. A good rule of thumb is if you can wear a watch or jewelry without problems, you are not likely to reject a surgical implant. Sometimes implants become infected and have to be removed. Some patients mistakenly assume that the metal has been rejected, but this is not the case. Most often the implant had to be removed because of infection, not rejection. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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