Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain caused by spinal instability or deformities. This surgery involves permanently fusing two or more vertebrae to restrict their movement. It is commonly used to treat various spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis.
Indications for Surgery
1. Degenerative Disc Disease: As people age, the intervertebral discs degenerate, causing pain and instability.
2. Herniated Disc: When the nucleus pulposus of a disc protrudes and compresses spinal nerves, spinal fusion can help relieve pain.
3. Scoliosis: Severe spinal curvature may require surgical correction and stabilization.
4. Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slips out of its normal position, compressing nerves and causing pain and neurological symptoms.
5. Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the spinal cord and nerves, causing lower back pain, leg pain, and neurological dysfunction.
6. Spinal Fractures: Fractures or compressions of vertebrae due to trauma or conditions like osteoporosis may require fusion to stabilize the spine.
Surgical Procedure
Spinal fusion typically involves the following steps:
1. Exposure of the Spine: The surgeon exposes the vertebrae that need to be fused.
2. Removal of Damaged Tissue: Degenerated or protruding discs or bone spurs may be removed.
3. Preparation of Fusion Area: Bone grafts (often taken from the patient or a donor) are placed between the vertebrae.
4. Fixation Devices: Metal screws, rods, and plates are used to hold the vertebrae in the correct position to promote bone graft fusion.
5. Recovery and Healing: It takes several months for the bone grafts to fuse and stabilize the vertebrae.
Benefits and Risks
Benefits:
– Pain Relief: Stabilizing the spine can significantly reduce pain.
– Improved Stability: Prevents further spinal instability or deformity.
– Enhanced Quality of Life: Post-surgery, patients often experience improved mobility and quality of life.
Risks:
– Surgical Risks: Include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
– Fusion Failure: The bone graft may not successfully fuse, leading to surgical failure.
– Adjacent Segment Disease: Neighboring vertebrae may degenerate due to additional stress.
