What is a spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is a common type of minimally invasive spine surgery performed by our expert SpineONE team of surgeons. Spinal fusion, also known as arthrodesis, is a surgery that joins (fuses) two or more vertebrae together.
Methods of doing spinal fusion may include:
- Using bone that is harvested from elsewhere in the body or is obtained from a bone bank to make a "bridge" between adjoining vertebrae. This graft of bone stimulates the growth of new bone.
- Securing metal implants, such as screws, to the vertebrae to hold them together until new bone grows between the vertebrae.
A spinal fusion eliminates motion between vertebrae and prevents the stretching of nerves, ligaments and muscles in the surrounding area.
These procedures often are coupled with a laminectomy or decompression procedure, which involves first removing the arthritic bone or herniated disc that may be putting pressure on the nerves.
Types of spinal fusion surgery
Spinal fusions are normally performed in two places: on lumbar (lower back) vertebrae and cervical (neck) vertebrae.
The procedure can be performed in different ways, depending on your specific condition. The SpineONE team provides personalized care, specific to your condition and your needs. They’re experts in minimally invasive techniques so no matter how the procedure is performed, it’s done in a way that reduces recovery time and improves the chance of a positive outcome.
- Your surgeon may approach the spine from the front, known as an anterior approach, through an incision in the abdomen. They may choose this type of procedure when it allows better access to the affected disc or when it would reduce recovery time.
- In a posterior approach, the surgeon makes an incision in the back, which exposes the vertebrae, muscle and nerves if a more robust procedure is needed.
- A lateral approach means that your surgeon approaches the affected area from the side of the body, giving access to the disc without having to move nerves or muscles.
Your condition, symptoms and ability to have the most successful outcome all play a part in the type of approach your surgeon takes.
What types of conditions are treated with a spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion may help relieve symptoms associated with a variety of back problems, including:
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Fractures
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
What are signs that I may need a spinal fusion?
Spine fusion surgery is often an option when you have back pain caused by motion. If the affected vertebrae are arthritic or unstable, movement will cause pain in that area. A spinal fusion limits the vertebrae’s ability to move and thus reduces pain.
If you’re experiencing leg or arm pain in addition to back pain, your surgeon may also perform a laminectomy to reduce the pressure put on spinal nerves.
What is the recovery time after a spinal fusion?
Recovery time varies by patient, but your surgeon will provide a personalized plan for you to follow as you recover. In general, a spinal fusion surgery takes three to six months to recover from and will often include physical therapy and progressively decreasing activity restrictions.