SPINAL FUSION

Spinal fusion refers to surgery done in a hospital to "fuse" or join together part of the spine. A neurosurgeon (spine specialist) or an orthopedic surgeon (bone specialist) usually performs the spinal fusion. It is used only when other types of treatments have failed.

Conditions that may require spinal fusion include:

injuries to spinal vertebrae (broken back)
disc problems in the back
abnormal curves of the back, like scoliosis and
a weak or unstable spine from infections or tumors

The surgery can be done either from the front or back of the body. The surgeon will decide which approach is the best for the individual's condition. Regardless of the approach, the backbones, called vertebrae, are joined together by adding bone in the space between the backbones. These pieces of bone will heal together with the vertebrae. The healed bones are then fused into one.

The number of vertebrae involved in the fusion depends on how many are abnormal. Discs may be removed from where they are causing pain. They are replaced with pieces of bone, usually from the outer pelvic bone. Sometimes, part of the spinal canal is opened to make more room for the nerves that travel through that area.

Bone forms better when the back is not moved. Sometimes spinal instrumentation may be put in the back at the same time as the spinal fusion to keep the back from moving while it heals. After surgery, the person will need to turn often. They will be shown how to "log roll" so that they can turn in bed without twisting the back. For 3 months after surgery, no bending, lifting, or twisting is allowed while the back heals. The fusion keeps getting stronger for about 1 to 2 years. The pain can start again but it is related to problems with vertebrae at a higher or lower level.

In most cases, spinal fusion can eliminate the pain and other symptoms. But, not everyone gets better after this surgery. It is important for the specialist to explain the options, risks, and benefits of the surgery. It is also important that the person having this surgery understands the benefits and risks.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File BACK3455.RF2 VRS# 7642 Data Version 7.0