Key Facts About Spinal Fusion To Help You Know Where to Start

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute helps patients learn key facts about fusion surgery.

Back pain can be traced to a number of different conditions, and if you or your loved one’s medical evaluation reveals a spinal condition, you should become familiar with key facts about spine surgery. Decompression and spinal fusion surgery have become extremely accessible procedures and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute’s leading orthopedic program provides the utmost in orthopedic care.

Spine Anatomy

The spine extends from the base of the skull to the tailbone, and consists of a series of interconnecting bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra is connected with the one above it and below it at junctions called “facet joints” and across an intervening disc. The facet joints allow the vertebrae to move relative to one another. A shock-absorbing, intervertebral disc lies between each bony vertebra and works with the facet joints to allow for the back and neck to bend and twist. The vertebral column also acts as protection for the spinal cord, which connects the brain with the rest of the body. At regular intervals, spinal nerves emanate from the spinal cord, comprising the outputs of the central nervous system.

The three main sections of the spinal column excluding the tailbone are the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. The top of the spine represents the cervical region, the middle section represents the thoracic region, and the base of the spine above the tailbone represents the lumbar region. There are a number of problems that may occur in the lumbar spine, such as the following conditions:

• Spondylolisthesis - a condition where a vertebra slips slightly forward relative to the vertebra next to it

• Spinal stenosis - a condition where the joint cartilage overgrows along with the underlying bone and compresses the spinal nerves

• A deformity of the spine, like scoliosis or kyphosis

• A fractured vertebra

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure where two or more vertebrae are joined together using bone graft material and surgical hardware. Spine Surgery is usually recommended if your doctor can determine the precise source of your pain. Pinpointing the source requires a careful history and physical exam and usually also requires imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and x-ray scans.

What to Expect from a Spinal Fusion Procedure

Your doctor may recommend a posterior lumbar spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and decrease any pain caused by a condition, injury, or abnormal curve. The surgery begins with an incision over the lumbar spine. To prepare for fusion, the outer surfaces of the bones will be removed, and screws will be placed into the vertebrae. Rods will be placed along the vertebrae and attached to the screws.

For bone grafts, the surgeon may use small pieces of bone from the pelvis. Other times, donor bone from a bone bank may be used for grafting. The bone grafts will be placed along the spine to allow the vertebrae to grow together which keeps the spine stable. Since spinal fusion eliminates any motion between the vertebrae in question, it will also prevent any stretching by the nerves or surrounding muscles and ligaments. When the procedure is complete, the incision in the skin will be closed with stitches.

For any questions or concerns about spinal decompression and fusion surgery, visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.