Fusion of the vertebrae involves insertion of secondary bone tissue obtained either through auto graft (tissues from the same patient) or allograft (tissues from another person) to support the bone healing process, along with spinal stabilisation.
Spinal fusion can be performed through different approaches depending upon the specific advantages of each and the choice of your surgeon. This may include an incision over the abdomen, the loin or the back. A combination of these approaches may be required.
The fusion process often includes spine fixation that involves the insertion of metallic screws, rods or plates to stabilise the vertebrae and accelerate bone fusion.
The L4/5 joints are commonly affected by lumbar spurs and by degenerative dysfunction. 80% of lumbar pain is in the L4/5 and L5/6 joints. Fusion of these joints can help treat degenerative conditions such as degenerative spondylolisthesis.
The cervical spine connects the base of the skull to the thoracic spine; ending at the upper back, around shoulder height. Degenerative conditions of the cervical spine that result in impingement upon the spinal cord or spinal nerves may require spinal fusion surgery.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) involves removing a degenerative disc in order to relieve this pressure from the spinal cord. A discectomy is a form of surgical decompression, so the procedure may also be called an anterior cervical decompression.
After surgery, 6-12 months is the necessary minimum time for complete fusion to take place. You should get back to a resemblance of “normal” well before that, but it is important to have realistic expectations, and allow time for your body to heal.
A spinal surgeon may recommend spinal fusion to promote stability, correct a deformity or reduce back pain. Spinal fusion can help correct spinal deformities, including scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
Spinal fusion surgery will not always relieve the symptoms of lower back pain. The primary risk of spinal fusion surgery is failure of fusion of the vertebral bones, which may require additional surgery. Furthermore, breakdown of the adjacent segments of the spine may occur in time. The complications associated with spinal fusion include infection, nerve damage, blood clots or blood loss, bowel and bladder problems and problems associated with anaesthesia.
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