Spine Fusion

Problems in small bones of spine can be corrected with Spine Fusion surgery. Spinal fusion surgery is normally same as the process of welding. Here two bones are fused together into a single solid bone. It is also known as Spondylodesis. When doctors locate the point of your pain then Spine Fusion surgery is recommended.
Doctors perform several tests to identify the actual location of the pain and also recommends image tests to identify the location. Some of the image tests are computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays. To eliminate the pain occuring from abnormal motion of vertebrae, this spine fusion is done.
Any abnormal motion between the vertebrae can be removed by Spine Fusion. Stretching of ligament, nerves and muscles can also be prevented by this fusion. Laminectomy is generally performed by surgeons if you experience back pain and leg pain together. Pain normally happens when any diseased tissues and bone creates pressure on the spinal nerves. Surgeons usually remove this diseased tissue to remove the pain.

Procedure

There are many technical approaches available for Spine Fusion. Two major approaches performed by surgeons are anterior approach and posterior approach. Nature and the location of the disease mainly determine the type of approach required. Bone grafting is generally performed in all types of Spine Fusion. In this surgery small pieces of bones is usually placed between the spaces of the vertebrae. To stimulate bone healing the process of bone grafting is used.

Complications

There are many risk associated with Spine Fusion and this risk are very much potential in nature. Some of the risk associated is:

  • Nearby nerve can get damage
  • Patients who have the habit of smoking are mostly prone to Pseudarthrosis
  • Bleeding and infections can appear near to the surgical areas