Why is this procedure done?
A spinal fusion permanently joins two or more bones in the spine together. Then, there is no movement between them anymore. It is used to treat long-term pain and disability caused by: ‚
- Narrowing of the canal where the spinal cord runs through or narrowing of the openings where the spinal nerves exit the spine. These are both kinds of spinal stenosis.
- Spinal injury or broken bone
- A spinal bone or vertebra that is out of line with the others. This is spondylolisthesis.
- An abnormal curve in the spine. This is scoliosis.
- Weak or unstable spine, most often due to infection or tumor
- Wear and tear on the discs in between the spinal bones. This is called degenerative disc disease or DDD.
- Herniated disc
People who have a spinal fusion have often tried many other treatments. Some of them are physical therapy and drugs. These have not worked to get rid of the pain and disability. ‚
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
After surgery, you should have less pain or other signs. You should be able to move more easily too. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will make a cut on your back or neck based on the area for surgery. Different methods can be used to fuse the spine. Either of these may be placed in the spine to help it fuse together. Your doctor will decide which is best based on your history. The doctor may use:
- Bone or bone substitute. The bone may be taken from your hip. Other times, it is from a specially prepared bone from a donor.
- Screws and plates. This is known as an instrumented fusion.
- A drain tube may be placed in your back close to the cut site. This will get rid of any extra fluid or blood from around the cut site. The drain tube is hooked to a bulb. The bulb is emptied every day until the doctor removes it.
- Your doctor will close the cut with staples or stitches. The whole procedure will take from 4 to 6 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room after surgery. The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake and strong enough to breathe. You may have a sore throat afterwards.
- Your nurses and caregivers will roll you in bed from side to side every couple of hours after your surgery to prevent problems after your surgery, such as blood clots and pressure sores.
- Your doctor may have you wear special stockings to prevent formation of blood clots. You will be given these stockings in the hospital.
- Within a day or two, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you begin to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- Your doctor will give you drugs to help with pain. Take the pain pills or shots to help you to move better.
- You will have back brace or cast.
- Your physical therapy will start the day after surgery.
- You will stay at the hospital for about 3 to 4 days.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Prevent blood clots
- Help with other problems you may have like trouble sleeping or hard stools
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Trouble breathing
- Incomplete fusion of the bones
- Blood clots
- Spinal cord or nerve damage
- Neck or back stiffness
- Graft does not take
- Hardware failure
- Need for more surgery in the future
- Problems with bowel or bladder function
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00348 ‚
North America Spine Society Public Education Series ‚
http://www.spine.org/Documents/fusion_2006.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚