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Spinal Fusion Surgery
Reasons for Fusion Surgery* Correct an spinal instability.* Correct serious vertebral fractures. * Last resort for unresolved herniated disc pain. * Correction of serious
scoliosis. How Does Fusion Work?Spinal Fusion is almost always done by inserting a bone graft in between the vertebrae. This bone graft heals and grows to form a living connection between the fused vertebrae. Sometimes, additional pieces of hardware (plates, screws, cage apparatus) are used to reinforce the bone graft or to further strengthen the fusion over several vertebral levels. Bone grafts may be harvested from the patient or from a cadaver donor. New technology is exploring the possibility of using artificial bone as a graft substitute.The actual procedure has many variations in design and practice. Some procedures are performed through an incision on the back, some through an incision on the front. Some procedures are full open surgeries, while others are done using a smaller and less traumatic incisions. Even if spinal fusion is your only option, make sure to research the best surgical approach for your individual needs. Recovery from Spinal Fusion SurgeryThis procedure is usually very invasive. There are less invasive versions available, but even these still require more recuperation time than other spinal surgeries. Patients typically remain in the hospital for 3 to 6 days and will require extensive rehabilitation after release from the hospital. Activity is strictly restricted, to allow the bone graft to heal and form a solid bond. The patient must take it easy for 3 to 4 months and will not be fully healed for up to 1 year. Patients should plan on being out of work for 2 to 6 months after a fusion procedure, since recovering from back surgery is a long and difficult road.Risks Of Spinal Fusion SurgeryEvery surgery has the risk of complications. There is a risk of infection, spinal fluid leak or nerve damage during this procedure. There is a moderate risk of continuing pain and poor surgical results. There is a risk of bone graft rejection, especially if the graft comes from a cadaver donor. Of course, there is always the risk of the general anesthetic as well. Some patients wind up worse off after fusion… still in pain and further restricted in their movement. Failed back surgery syndrome is a very common occurrence in post operative fusion patients.Recommendation for Spinal Fusion SurgeryDon’t do it… not if ANY other possible choice can be made. The spine is designed to move, not be cemented and screwed into a fixed shape. The fusion is likely to put stress on other levels of the spine, causing accelerated degeneration. If you have this procedure as a young patient, expect a future filled with additional back pain and surgeries. In the case of huge trauma to the spine, this procedure can be a life saver. It is also a good procedure for the correction of serious spinal curvature. In almost any other circumstance, fusion can do more harm than good. A wise alternative for some patients might be to investigate disc replacement surgery as a viable option.
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