Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to join two or more vertebrae in the spine, effectively eliminating motion between them. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pain, correct a deformity, or stabilize the spine. It is often used in cases of severe spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, fractures, or herniated discs that have not responded to other treatments.
How Spinal Fusion Works:
- Bone Graft Placement: During the surgery, a bone graft (either from the patient’s own body, a donor, or a synthetic substitute) is placed between the affected vertebrae. Over time, this graft will grow into the surrounding bone, fusing the vertebrae together.
- Hardware: In many cases, metal plates, screws, or rods are used to hold the vertebrae together while the bone graft heals and solidifies. This hardware provides immediate stability to the spine and helps promote successful fusion.
Indications for Spinal Fusion:
- Degenerative Disc Disease: When the discs between vertebrae deteriorate, leading to pain and instability.
- Scoliosis: To correct abnormal curvature of the spine.
- Spinal Stenosis: To relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Herniated Disc: When a disc has been removed due to a herniation and the spine needs to be stabilized.