Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that involves the joining together, or fusion, of two or more vertebrae in the spine. It is often performed to treat conditions that cause instability or deformity in the spine, such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal fractures, scoliosis, or spinal tumors.
During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the damaged disc(s) between the vertebrae and replace it with a bone graft or implant. The bone graft may be taken from the patient’s own body or can be synthetic material. In some cases, metal plates, screws, or rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together and provide additional stability during the healing process.
The goal of spinal fusion is to immobilize the affected vertebrae and promote the growth of new bone tissue, allowing them to eventually fuse into a single solid bone. This fusion eliminates motion between the vertebrae, reducing pain, preventing further damage, and restoring stability to the spine.
Recovery from spinal fusion typically requires a period of immobilization, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. The exact duration of recovery varies depending on the individual patient and the extent of the procedure.
Spinal fusion is a complex surgical procedure that carries certain risks, including infection, blood clots, nerve damage, or failure of the bone to fuse. However, it is a well-established treatment option that can provide significant relief for patients suffering from spinal conditions that are not improved with non-surgical methods.
