Lumbar fusion permanently stops movement between two vertebrae. It is a treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions of your spine. Most spinal fusions use a bone graft to fuse or join two vertebrae.
What is involved in a spinal fusion procedure?
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL FUSION. “Surgery” is the last word you want to hear when you’re looking for treatments for back pain. But, if your pain has lasted longer than 12 weeks, surgery is the may be the best option. In the first 12 weeks, your doctors will try noninvasive treatments for your back pain, but there are some conditions that noninvasive methods cannot treat.
When is a spine fusion recommended?
Spinal fusion is a surgical option that may be recommended to treat severe pain from vertebral fracture, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and similar conditions. The surgery provides stability and reduces back pain by permanently joining two or more vertebrae in the spine with the use of bone grafts, metal plates, and rods.
Which medications are used in the treatment of lumbar fusion?
Nov 15, 2020 · Lumbar fusion permanently stops movement between two vertebrae. It is a treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions of your spine. Most spinal fusions use a bone graft to fuse or join two vertebrae. Your doctor may also use screws, rods or plates to hold your vertebrae in place.
What are the options for fusion of the lower back?
Feb 01, 2022 · Bone Grafting. All spinal fusions use some type of bone material, called a bone graft, to help promote the fusion. Generally, small pieces of bone are placed into the space between the vertebrae to be fused. A bone graft is primarily used to stimulate bone healing.
How serious is a spinal fusion surgery?
What is the average recovery time for a spinal fusion?
It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework. It may take 6 months to a year for your back to get better completely. You may need to wear a back brace while your back heals. And your doctor may have you go to physiotherapy.
How painful is spinal fusion recovery?
What is the success rate of spinal fusion surgery?
Can you live a normal life after spinal fusion?
Are spinal fusions worth it?
How do you poop after back surgery?
Will I need a walker after spinal fusion?
What are the cons of spinal fusion?
- Limited Mobility – In some instances where pain is severely limiting you mobility, a spinal fusion operation may actually be able to increase your mobility. ...
- Complications – Like any procedure, there are potential complications, like bleeding, nerve damage or issues with the anesthesia.
Can spinal fusion cause problems later in life?
Which is better spinal fusion or disc replacement?
What is spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is a surgical option that may be recommended to treat severe pain from vertebral fracture, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and similar conditions.
What tests are needed for spinal fusion?
Prior to the procedure, patients will typically undergo blood tests and imaging, possibly including X-rays, an MRI and a CT scan. Several methods of spinal fusion are available, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, the location of the pain, and the number of vertebrae that need to be fused.
What are the symptoms of spinal fusion?
Symptoms that prompt the consideration of the surgery are usually severe, and can include sharp pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness in one or both legs.
How long does it take to recover from a spinal surgery?
The average recovery time is 6 to 12 weeks. Your spine surgeon will give you specific information related to your condition and lifestyle goals, as well as a detailed description of the surgery and instructions on how to make the best recovery.
Is fusion surgery successful?
The surgery is typically successful when the source of the spinal pain, such as a fracture, deformity or instability, is clear. A fusion immobilizes that portion of the spine.
How does spinal fusion work?
Most spinal fusions use a bone graft to fuse or join two vertebrae. Your doctor may also use screws, rods or plates to hold your vertebrae in place. Lumbar fusion can potentially help decrease pain and maintain function in a damaged or diseased lumbar spine.
Why do doctors recommend lumbar fusion?
Your doctor may recommend a lumbar fusion to treat certain diseases and conditions of the spine. Your doctor may only consider lumbar fusion if other treatment options with less risk of complications are ineffective. Ask your doctor about all your treatment options and consider getting a second opinion before deciding on a lumbar fusion.
What is lumbar fusion?
Lumbar fusion is the surgical joining of two vertebrae in the lumbar spine, or lower back. Your vertebrae are the bones that make up your spine (backbone). Lumbar fusion permanently stops movement between two vertebrae. It is a treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions of your spine.
What is the procedure to remove a lumbar disc?
Your doctor may perform other procedures in addition to lumbar fusion. These procedures are usually done first and include: Discectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of a spinal disc. A discectomy treats degenerated, herniated or ruptured spinal discs.
How long does it take for a lumbar fusion to heal?
Your body heals the bone around the graft over a period of several months.
What is the procedure for a herniated disc?
A discectomy treats degenerated, herniated or ruptured spinal discs. Foraminotomy is the widening of the opening where the nerve roots leave the spinal canal. Your doctor may use this procedure when the opening (foramina) is narrowed causing pressure on the spinal nerves.
Where is lumbar fusion performed?
Your lumbar fusion will be performed in a hospital or surgical center. The surgery involves placing a bone graft material in strips along your vertebrae, in pieces between your vertebrae, or packed into a special cage that goes between your vertebrae.
Why does spinal fusion work?
Spinal fusion eliminates motion between vertebrae. It also prevents the stretching of nerves and surrounding ligaments and muscles. It is an option when motion is the source of pain, such as movement that occurs in a part of the spine that is arthritic or unstable due to injury, disease, or the normal aging process. The theory is if the painful vertebrae do not move, they should not hurt.
How long does it take for a spine to fuse?
The fusion process takes time. It may be several months before the bone is solid, although your comfort level will often improve much faster. During this healing time, the fused spine must be kept in proper alignment. You will be taught how to move properly, reposition, sit, stand, and walk.
What do you need to do after bone grafting?
After bone grafting, the vertebrae need to be held together to help the fusion progress. Your surgeon may suggest that you wear a brace. In many cases, surgeons will use plates, screws, and rods to help hold the spine still. This is called internal fixation, and may increase the rate of successful healing.
What is the name of the bone that is used in spinal fusion?
All spinal fusions use some type of bone material, called a bone graft, to help promote the fusion. Generally, small pieces of bone are placed into the space between the vertebrae to be fused.
What is the best way to treat back pain?
Spine surgery is usually recommended only when your doctor can pinpoint the source of your pain. To do this, your doctor may use imaging tests, such as x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Spinal fusion may help relieve symptoms of many back problems, including:
Why do we need to fuse vertebrae?
It is essentially a "welding" process. The basic idea is to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. This is done to eliminate painful motion or to restore stability to the spine. Spine surgery is usually recommended only when your doctor can pinpoint the source of your pain.
Where do you make an incision for lumbar fusion?
Your surgeon may approach your spine from the front. This is called an anterior approach and requires an incision in the lower abdomen for a lumbar fusion or in the front of the neck for a cervical fusion.
What pain medication is used for spinal fusion?
Recovery from spinal fusion surgery can be painful and you will likely leave the hospital with a prescription for opioid pain killers, such as OxyContin (oxycodone) or Percocet (oxycodone with acetaminophen).
What is spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that links bones in the spinal column together to treat back problems such as herniated disks, fractures, or scoliosis. During the surgery, vertebrae are fused together to heal into a single solid bone, eliminating movement between them and relieving pain.
What is the procedure to remove a damaged disc?
Spinal fusion surgery is often performed along with other spine surgeries, such as a diskectomy to remove a damaged disk between vertebrae, a laminectomy to remove part of the vertebrae (such as a bone spur ), or a foraminotomy to widen the opening where nerve roots exit the spinal column.
How long does it take to get physical therapy after spinal fusion surgery?
Formal post-op physical therapy programs for spinal fusion surgery tend to begin around two to three months after surgery. However, the exact timing will depend on factors like how well you are healing from surgery, your ability to exercise safely and comfortably, and the surgeon's discretion. 12.
What are the risks of spinal fusion surgery?
Potential Risks. As with all surgeries, there are some risks associated with spinal fusion surgery, which include: 3 . Infection in the wound or bones. Spinal nerve damage that can result in weakness, pain, loss of sensation, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
How long does it take to get a spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion surgery is almost always a scheduled procedure that requires a two- to five-night hospital stay. 4 Once your procedure is booked, the surgical team will provide you with more detailed instructions on what you will need to do in the days and hours before surgery.
How to recover from surgery?
Following a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity before surgery can help you to recover more quickly afterward. Of course, it's best to ask your healthcare provider what exercises are safe for you to perform.
What is the procedure for fusion of vertebrae?
Generally, the procedure involves the following: Incision: to gain access to the vertebrae being fused.
How do you fuse vertebrae?
Fusion: to fuse the vertebrae permanently, the surgeon places the bone graft material between the vertebrae. Metal plates, screws, or rods may be used to help hold the vertebrae together while the bone graft heals.
What are the complications of spinal fusion?
Potential spinal fusion complications include: Infection. Poor wound healing. Bleeding. Blood clots. Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine. Pain at the site from which the bone graft is taken.
What are the risks of spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, spinal fusion carries the potential risk of complications. Potential spinal fusion complications include: 1 Infection 2 Poor wound healing 3 Bleeding 4 Blood clots 5 Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine 6 Pain at the site from which the bone graft is taken.
Why is my spine unstable?
Spinal weakness or instability: Your spine may become unstable if there’s abnormal or excessive motion between two vertebrae. This is a common side effect of severe arthritis in the spine. Herniated disk: Spinal fusion may be used to stabilize the spine after the removal of a damaged (herniated) disk.
Is spinal surgery scary?
At the National Spine Health Foundation, we know that spinal surgery can be a scary experience. But we are here to help! Check out our Patient Journey and learn how you can become a Spinal Champion.
Can you feel pain after spinal fusion?
Depending on the location and extent of your surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort during your spinal fusion recovery. However, the pain can usually be controlled well with medications. After you go home, contact your doctor if you exhibit signs of infection, such as: Redness , tenderness, or swelling . Wound drainage. Shaking chills.
Overview
Why It's Done
Risks
- Spinal fusion is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, spinal fusion carries the potential risk of complications. Potential complications include: 1. Infection 2. Poor wound healing 3. Bleeding 4. Blood clots 5. Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine 6. Pain at the site from which the bone graft is taken
How You Prepare
- Preparation before surgery may involve trimming hair over the surgical site and cleaning the area with a special soap or antiseptic. Additionally, the surgical team may order monitoring of any unhealthy bacteria in your nose by taking a swab sample. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking some medications before the surgery.
What You Can Expect
- During spinal fusion
Surgeons perform spinal fusion while you're under general anesthesia so you're unconscious during the procedure. Surgeons have developed a variety of techniques for performing spinal fusion surgery. The technique your surgeon uses depends on the location of the vertebrae to be … - After spinal fusion
A hospital stay of two to three days is usually required following spinal fusion. Depending on the location and extent of your surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort but the pain can usually be controlled well with medications. After you go home, contact your doctor if you e…
Results
- Spinal fusion is typically an effective treatment for fractures, deformities or instability in the spine. But study results are more mixed when the cause of the back or neck pain is unclear. In many cases, spinal fusion is no more effective than nonsurgical treatments for nonspecific back pain. It can be difficult to be certain about what exactly i...
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiesof tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.