Spinal fusion surgery is performed to provide relief from pain and improve mobility in patients. The orthopedic spine surgeon permanently connects two or more vertebra in the spine to avoid any abnormal movement, which could cause pain in leg, back or arm. If you or a loved one is soon to undergo spinal fusion surgery in Plano or anywhere else, the blog post gives an overview of the procedure, recovery and prevention tips that would help in leading a better life. Read on.
Why is Spinal Fusion Surgery Performed?
Spinal Deformities
Patient with spinal deformities such as kyphosis (an abnormal rounding of upper spine) or scoliosis (curve in the sideways of spine) might need to undergo the spinal fusion surgery.
Broken Vertebra
Some broken vertebra heal without treatment, but if they are making the spinal column unstable, a surgery might be the only option to repair the vertebra.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal disorder in which a vertebra slips forward onto another vertebra below it. If the condition is causing severe pain in the back or numbness or pain in leg, a spinal fusion surgery might be necessary.
The Procedure
The fusion is done between two vertebra, using:
- Natural healing process of the body
- Bone from another place in body
- Bone from a bone bank
- Metal devices
The surgeon removes the outer cortical bone and immobilizes the bone graft and vertebra. In most cases, the fusion area is also immobilized and rods, hooks, screws, metal plates or cages are used to hold it together. Once the natural healing process of the body starts, a new bone grows around the metal implant in 3 to 6 months.
Recovery and Prevention
The patient needs to visit the orthopedic spine specialist two weeks after the surgery. Making light stretching exercises a part of the routine helps in faster and better recovery. Regular visits to the doctor and physiotherapist should begin six weeks after the procedure. The therapist is likely to suggest low impact aerobics, swimming or walking to strengthen the back.
Modifications to sitting, standing and sleeping habits, could also make a lot of difference to the effectiveness of the surgery. To prevent the recurrence of back pain, the patient needs to:
- Follow proper lifting techniques
- Maintain a good posture during sleeping, standing or sitting
- Exercise regularly
- Sit on ergonomically design furniture
- Quit smoking
- Watch out weight and lean body mass
Last Few Words
The patient has to usually stay in the hospital for two to three days after the spinal fusion surgery. There could be some pain and discomfort, which is controlled with medications. The affected bones in the spine may take several months to heal and fuse together. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and physical therapy would ensure a speedy and effective recovery.
