Spinal Fusion

What is spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that’s performed to correct problems with the spinal vertebrae. The goal of a spinal fusion is to fuse together the affected portion of the vertebrae so that it can heal into a single, solid bone. The vertebrae is fused using a bone graft or a bone graft substitute which fuses with the natural bone over time.

When is spinal fusion performed?

Spinal fusion is performed to relieve chronic pain, decreased range of motion and other symptoms when more conservative approaches have not been effective. It’s often performed in patients with conditions like:

• spondylolisthesis, a condition that develops when the spine becomes unstable and one vertebrae slips forward over another, causing nerve impingement and related symptoms
• degenerative disc disease or protruding discs
• broken vertebrae
• other issues causing instability of the spine
• chronic pain, numbness or weakness in the lower back or legs
• abnormal curvature of the spine

Spinal fusion is often performed following spinal surgery like foraminotomy or laminectomy which remove a portion of the spine in order to relieve nerve compression and its symptoms, or after disc removal.

How is spinal fusion performed?

Different techniques can be used to perform spinal fusion surgery depending on several factors, including, the condition being treated, the patient’s age and health, and other factors. In general, spinal fusion may be performed using open surgery techniques with large incisions or minimally-invasive methods with small incisions. The incision may be made through either the anterior (from the front) or the posterior (from the back). Dependent on the individual and their specific diagnosis, one of the following approaches will be taken: anterior cervical (neck), anterior lumbar (abdominal), anterior thoracic (lateral), posterior cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, iliac, or sacroiliac. Once the treatment site is exposed, damaged areas are removed or treated and the graft is placed in position and secured. It can take several months for the graft to completely fuse with the bone.

What is recovery like following spinal fusion surgery?

Most people are able to return home from the hospital about 2 to 4 days after their surgery, and typically may return to work within 4-6 weeks. The patient will begin physical therapy after their procedure to help with regaining mobility and function in the spine.