Spinal fusion
About this test
Spinal fusion is surgery to connect two or more bones in any part of the spine. Connecting the bones prevents movement between them. Preventing movement helps prevent pain. During spinal fusion, a surgeon places bone or a bonelike material in the space between two spinal bones. Metal plates, screws or rods might hold the bones together. The bones then can fuse and heal as one bone.
Why it's done
Spinal fusion connects two or more bones in the spine to make it more stable, correct a problem or reduce pain. Spinal fusion may help relieve symptoms caused by: The shape of the spine. Spinal fusion can help correct problems with the way the spine is formed. An example is when the spine curves sideways, also known as scoliosis. Spinal weakness or instability. Too much motion between two spinal bones can make the spine unstable. This is a common side effect of severe arthritis in the spine. Spinal fusion can make the spine more stable. Damaged disk. Spinal fusion might be used to stabilize the spine after a damaged disk is removed.
Risks and complications
Spinal fusion is generally safe. But as with any surgery, spinal fusion carries some risks. Possible complications include: Infection. Poor wound healing. Bleeding. Blood clots. Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine. Pain at the bone graft site. Return of symptoms.
How to prepare
Getting ready for the surgery might include trimming hair over the surgical site and cleaning the area with a special soap. Tell your healthcare team about medicines you take. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines for a time before the surgery.
Understanding your results
Spinal fusion typically works for fixing broken bones, reshaping the spine or making the spine more stable. But study results are mixed when the cause of the back or neck pain is not clear. Spinal fusion often works no better than nonsurgical treatments for back pain with a cause that's not clear. Even when spinal fusion relieves symptoms, it doesn't prevent future back pain. Arthritis causes much of back pain. Surgery doesn't cure arthritis. Having a spine that doesn't move in places puts more strain on the areas around the fused part. As a result, those areas of the spine might break down faster. Then the spine might need more surgery in the future.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.