LUMBAR SPINAL FUSION

Overview and Facts

Spinal Fusion is a type of procedure that connects two or more vertebrae in your spine. And to join them, metal plates, rods, and screws may be used.

This surgery permanently connects two or more vertebrae to reduce pain and deformity in the body. This procedure is suggested with the following:

  • To correct a deformity– spinal fusion treats curvature of the spine like scoliosis.
  • Instability– your spine may become unstable when there’s too much motion between two vertebrae like arthritis in the spine.
  • Herniated disk– this procedure may be used to stabilize the spine after removing the damaged disc.

After 2-3 days of stay in the hospital after the surgery, any pain can be controlled by medication.

This procedure mimics the healing of broken bones.

If the causes of back pain and deformities are unknown, Lumbar Spinal Fusion is not advised. Proper diagnosis is a must before any surgery. This procedure is for treating fractures and deformities in the spine only.

Most back pain is associated with the spine, and while Spinal Fusion can be a relief of pain, it is not the answer to all back pains and problems.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Any other surgery or procedure has risks, and spinal fusion’s risks are:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Poor wound healing

Why is it recommended?

Your doctor may recommend Lumbar Spinal Fusion to you when:

  • There are deformities in the spine. Lumbar Spinal Fusion can help correct spine deformities like scoliosis.
  • Spinal instability.The cause of this is severe arthritis in the spine, and spinal fusion can help with reinstating the spinal instability.

After the removal of the herniated disk, spinal fusion can be used to stabilize the spine.

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

Before the surgery, the doctor will ask you about the medications and supplements you are taking. Some medicines may interfere with the operation or with other drugs, and the doctor may ask you to stop taking them. You may be asked to cut or trim the area where the surgery will partake. They will then receive a swab sample from your nose to monitor bacteria in your body. Your general health and body shape makes a difference, as well.

During the surgery, you will be under anaesthesia and will be unconscious throughout the procedure.

After the surgery, you may be advised to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. Medications prescribed by your doctor can maintain feelings of pain. Signs of infection may occur after release from the hospital. Other symptoms are:

  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Wound drainage

Recovery

After the surgery, the doctor may advise you to wear a back brace to support your healing bones. To keep them aligned, a back brace is needed. Physical therapy is one of the key factors in recovering after Lumbar Spinal Fusion. Physical therapy can help you move, stand and sit properly to make your spine aligned.

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