Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure designed to permanently join two or more vertebrae in the spine, eliminating motion between them and providing stability. It is commonly performed to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal fractures, or chronic back pain that does not respond to conservative treatments12358.

What Happens During Spinal Fusion Surgery?

• Preparation:
  The patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans). Preoperative assessments may include blood tests and cardiac evaluations to ensure fitness for surgery5.

• Anesthesia:
  The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery167.

• Surgical Approach:
  The surgeon can access the spine from different directions:

  • Posterior approach: Incision made in the back.

  • Anterior approach: Incision made in the front (abdomen or neck).

  • Lateral approach: Incision made on the side.
    The choice of approach depends on the location and nature of the spinal problem127.

• Bone Graft Placement:
  The surgeon removes any damaged disc or bone, then places a bone graft between the vertebrae to facilitate fusion. Bone grafts can come from the patient’s own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), or be synthetic126.

• Stabilization:
  Metal rods, screws, or plates may be used to hold the vertebrae together while the bone graft heals and the fusion occurs. This hardware provides immediate stability156.

• Closure:
  The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied. The patient is then moved to recovery for monitoring as the anesthesia wears off56.

Types of Spinal Fusion

• Open spinal fusion: Traditional surgery with a larger incision.

• Minimally invasive spinal fusion: Uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments, leading to less tissue damage and faster recovery7.

Recovery

• Hospital Stay: Usually a few days, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s health56.

• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and mobility.

• Healing: Full fusion and recovery can take several months. The bone graft gradually fuses the vertebrae into a single solid bone236.

Risks and Complications

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Nerve injury

• Blood clots

• Non-union (failure of the bones to fuse)

• Pain at the graft site or hardware complications1256

References

1. Mayo Clinic – Spinal Fusion

2. OrthoInfo (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) – Spinal Fusion

3. Cleveland Clinic – Spinal Fusion

4. Omni Hospitals – Spinal Fusion Surgery: What to Expect

5. Healthline – Spinal Fusion Surgery: Uses, Procedure, and Recovery

6. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

7. Sparsh Hospital – Spinal Fusion Surgery: Treatment, Procedure, and Recovery

Spinal fusion can be highly effective for stabilizing the spine and relieving pain when other treatments have failed. The decision for surgery, approach, and recovery plan should always be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and discussed thoroughly with a spine specialist.

Frequently asked questions about Spinal Fusion Surgery.

1. What is spinal fusion surgery?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in your spine to improve stability, correct a deformity, or reduce pain.

2. Why might I need spinal fusion?
Common reasons include spinal instability, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, scoliosis, fractures, or chronic back pain that has not improved with other treatments.

3. How is spinal fusion performed?
The surgeon removes any damaged disc or bone, places a bone graft between the vertebrae, and may use metal screws, rods, or plates to hold the bones together while they heal.

4. How long does the surgery take?
Spinal fusion surgery typically takes between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity and the number of vertebrae being fused.

5. What is the recovery time after spinal fusion?
Most patients stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, and physical therapy is often recommended.

6. Will I need to wear a brace after surgery?
Your surgeon may recommend a back brace after surgery, depending on your specific case and the area of the spine that was fused.

7. What are the risks of spinal fusion surgery?
Risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, blood clots, non-union (bones not fusing), and pain at the bone graft site.

8. Will I lose flexibility after spinal fusion?
You may lose some flexibility in the fused portion of your spine, but most patients do not notice significant limitations in daily activities.

9. When can I return to work or normal activities?
Return to work and normal activities depends on your recovery and the type of work you do. Your doctor will provide personalized guidance.

10. How successful is spinal fusion surgery?
Spinal fusion is generally successful in relieving pain and stabilizing the spine, especially when other treatments have not worked.