Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion is a surgery procedure that reinforces the back structure and stability by linking two vertebrae together. The vertebrae support each other, with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms related to your spinal cord and nerves. The benefits of spinal fusion surgery include reduction or elimination of pain, numbness and/or tingling improving the quality of life.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Spinal Fusion Surgery can treat pain, numbness, muscle weakness and more. Weaknesses in any part of the spine can put pressure on the spinal cord or the spinal nerves. Spinal fusion treats conditions that affect the vertebrae, joints or soft tissue.
Examples include:
- Congenital spine conditions
- Herniated disks
- Spine fractures or injuries
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Spondylosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Tumors that affect the spinal cord or nerves
Procedure
Spinal Fusion Surgery can take from 1 to 5 hours depending on the injury or condition that is being treated. The approach, incision type, materials used and surgical procedures vary depending on the section of the spine that is damaged.
- Approach - spine can be accessed from the back (posterior), front (anterior or side lateral or a combination of these depending on degree and space of injury or treatment.
- Incision Type - a minimally invasive approach or open surgery can be done based on the specific spinal issue.
- Materials used - Spinal fusion commonly uses bone tissue to strengthen and reinforce the fusion. Hardware like screws, plates or rods are also typically used to strengthen the fusion between the vertebrae. The bone tissue may be autonomous (from the patient’s body) or from a cadaver (deceased donor). This tissue could also be synthetic (artificial).
- The incision may be closed with staples or sutures or other means.
Recovery
Recovery from spinal fusion surgery is a gradual process that varies depending on the type and location of surgery performed.
- Many day-to-day activities may often be resumed within a few weeks following surgery such as light exercise and activities.
- Full recovery from spinal fusion surgery generally takes longer.
- Full recovery is common, but it is common to have reduced flexibility and movement because the fused vertebrae in the back move differently than before surgery.
- Patients can generally return to work depending on the job in a few weeks or a few months.