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Spinal Fusion
Spinal Fusion ProcedureThis is a very invasive and complicated procedure. Intervertebral discs are usually completely removed from the proposed treatment levels. Vertebral bones are joined with connecting metallic hardware, such as cages, screws, rods, pins, plates and bolts. Bones grafts are usually placed in between the spinal levels, which will hopefully grow and help solidify the fusion for the remainder of the patient’s life. Surgical hardware is sometimes removed after the bone grafts heal or is sometimes left in place forever. Orthotic back braces are usually employed after surgery to limit movement in the operated levels during the healing process. Full healing usually takes up to 1 year to complete.Indications for Spinal FusionFusion is one of the few options for such conditions as severe scoliosis or extreme kyphosis or lordosis. It is also an appropriate treatment for victims of extreme trauma who require immediate surgical stabilization of the spine. Certain other less common conditions can also be treated justifiably using a fusion procedure.Using a fusion surgery to correct a normal spinal condition such as a degenerated or herniated disc is ridiculous. This procedure has shown very poor statistics for relieving pain in these instances and a high rate of complications experienced in surrounding spinal levels. Patients undergoing a fusion for disc or spinal arthritis pain conditions usually wind up being subjected to multiple surgeries and endure a downward spiral of functionality. Spinal Fusion ContraindicationsUsing a fusion procedure for any spinal condition should be the last resort in all circumstances. Fusions go against the natural design of the spine and are hellish to endure. The spine is not a structure which can be treated in a limited area since all vertebral levels are connected. Fusion in one area will place inordinate stress on surrounding vertebral levels. This creates a domino effect of pain, dysfunction and disease throughout the spine, which will ensure follow up treatments. Patients are rarely informed of this aspect of the operation prior to surgery. A fusion should not be used if there is ANY OTHER CONCEIVABLE WAY to treat the condition. If vertebral surgery is the only way to proceed, the patient should consider an artificial disc replacement surgery instead of a fusion, if this procedure is appropriate. Although this is a newer and less tested procedure, it does maintain spinal flexibility which is key to recovering normal usage after the operation.Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is an epidemic among post operative fusion recipients. This devastating condition is the unfortunate result of premature and inappropriate fusion procedures and often leads to permanent disability and continuing pain for life... Recommendation on a Spinal FusionI understand that this procedure does have its (very limited) uses. I am not saying it is completely worthless. What I am saying is that I have seen the horrors it has produced in literally hundreds of patients I have met face to face and thousands who have written to me. The tales of torture from multiple operations and the horrible final results leading to permanent disability have made me sick. So many patients have been subjected to this agony for nothing. Most patients could and should have been treated non-surgically. Many did not even suffer from pain due to their diagnosed condition. I can’t begin to tell you how many patients have written to me with such sad, but true stories of their spinal fusion experiences. Far too many have lost the majority of their physical functionality and STILL HAVE PAIN. It is a crime and their doctors should be held accountable. Please, if a fusion has been advised to treat your back pain, think twice before agreeing. If you have already endured the operation, please write to me and let me know how it worked out for you.
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