Spinal fusion is a surgical treatment for neck or back pain that doesn’t respond well to less extensive treatments such as non-operative treatments, decompression, or discectomy. Spinal fusion surgery can eliminate pain during movement or restore stability to your spine. At Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Spine Specialists, we have extensive experience and expertise in performing all types of spinal fusion operations.
At Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Spine Specialists, minimally invasive surgical principles are at the core of our surgical approaches. We have extensive experience and expertise in spinal fusion, motion preservation, and decompression, and provide the highest-quality care in surgical and non-surgical spine care.
To learn more about spinal fusion, call the office today or request an appointment online.
Spinal Fusion Q & A
Question: What is spinal fusion?
- Spinal fusion permanently joins two or more of the bones in your spine (the vertebrae), eliminating any motion between them.
- Fusion is usually needed when part or all of a vertebral disc or part of a vertebral body needs to be removed or remodeled.
- Spinal fusion works when motion is the source of pain.
- Disc herniation or damage to the discs that cushion the space between your vertebrae can put pressure on surrounding connective tissue and nerves. There are also chemicals released from within the discs that irritate the surrounding nerves.
- With spinal fusion, you remove the irregular movement that causes the pain.
Question: Will I feel limitations in movement after spinal fusion?
- Fusion does reduce some spinal flexibility. However, most of the time the procedure involves small segments of the spine. It does not significantly affect your ability to move. You might not even notice limitations, or even improved mobility with the elimination in pain..
Question: Who benefits from spinal fusion?
- Our team only recommends spinal fusion when he can identify the source of your pain and problems using X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs that confirm our physical exam findings and your complaints.
- People with these neck and back issues might benefit from spinal fusion:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Scoliosis
- Fractured vertebrae
- Spinal stenosis
- Infection
- Herniated disc
- Tumor
- Spinal fusion is used in throughout the spinal column, from the skull to the pelvis, most commonly involving the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar region (lower back).
Question: What happens during spinal fusion?
- Our surgeons perform spinal fusion with patients under general anesthesia. Several approaches to spinal fusion can be utilized. Our surgeons use the most advanced and appropriate spinal fusion techniques for each case.
- Generally, one or more small incisions are created — depending on which part of the spine is to be fused. If they determine an anterior approach is preferable, the incision will be made in your abdomen or throat.
- A cage implant filled with bone graft is used to fuse the vertebrae. Our surgeons utilize synthetic graft that is manufactured and without risk of contamination from other people or animals.
- During the procedure, the cage and graft are placed between the vertebrae and uses titanium screws and rods to hold the vertebrae together while the bones heal together.
- Some patients and procedures are amenable to outpatient procedures. In fact, about 50% of our patients go home the same day. Larger operations or patients with multiple medical problems should expect to stay in the hospital for a few days. You’ll be in some pain, but it’s usually well controlled with medication.
If you’re ready to learn more about spinal fusion as a treatment for your neck and back problem, for patient-centered care call Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Spine Specialists today, or book an appointment online.
