Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion, clinically known as arthrodesis, is a surgical correction of some ailments of the human vertebrae. It is a major and prolonged surgery that joins or fuses two or more vertebrae usually of the lumbar spinal region. It is also often combined with decompression and debridement to treat certain conditions.

THE TARGET AILMENTS

Some of the conditions that spinal fusion corrects are:

THE PROCEDURE

The surgery involves using bone from a bone bank or from the pelvic bone to create a link between adjoining vertebrae, in the form of a bone graft held together by metal implants. This bridging graft induces new bone formation between the vertebrae. The metal supports are removed after the new bone fully grows back.

POST-SURGICAL CARE

The patient is under observation for several days. Bed rest is not required, though a patient may have to wear a plastic back brace or a cloth corset for several weeks or months. Mobility, which is affected after the surgery, is aided by exercises like brisk walking, cycling on a static bike, swimming, using a ski or an elliptical machine etc. However, all physical activities should be done under the strict supervision of a consultant and with great care. Recovery, however, can take over a year.

EFFECTIVENESS

There is no conclusive data about the effectiveness of this process and no surety of success. Moreover, it is expensive and has many risks. Smoking, obesity, diabetes or any other ailments deters the efficacy of this surgery.

DISADVANTAGES

Most of the risks are similar to conventional spinal surgeries, though they depend on the patients’ age, health, prognosis and the method implemented. Some of the common side effects are: