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Spinal fusion is a type of a back surgery procedure for joining two or more bones permanently in the spine to prevent movement between them. The bones that are joined are called as vertebrae.

Reason for performing the spinal fusion (Medicinal uses)

Spinal fusion is performed along with other surgical procedures such as foraminotomy or laminectomy and after discectomy in the neck. Spinal fusion is required if the patient has injury or fractures of the spine bones. The spine will become weak due to infection or tumors. Spinal fusion is also performed in abnormal curvatures that result from scoliosis or kyphosis.

1. Duration: The surgical procedure usually takes 3 to 4 hours. The surgeon makes a surgical cut and views the spine. Surgeries such as discectomy, laminectomy, or a foraminotomy, are done first followed by spinal fusion.
2. Disk fusion surgery may be done on the back, neck, or spine. Back surgery cost differs from that of laser spine surgery and so on. The patient is made to lie with face down. Spine is exposed by separating the muscles and tissue.
3. If surgery is on the lower back, the surgeon will use retractors to separate soft tissues and blood vessels. A graft is used to fuse the bones permanently. The surgeon gets the bone graft from different places. If the graft is used from other parts of the body, it is called an autograft. If it is taken from a bone bank, it is called an allograft.
4. Sometimes a bone substitute may also be used. Laser spine institute performs the procedure using a minimally invasive technique, which is also known as laser spine surgery.

After the procedure

Pain medications will be given either by mouth or through an intravenous line. You will be taught how to stand properly, walk, sit and stand. You will not be able to eat for two to three days. Nutrients will be given through an intravenous route. You have to wear a bracelet after leaving the hospital. The surgeon will provide instructions to the patient regarding home care after surgery.

Advantages of spinal fusion surgery

It alleviates nerve pain by creating more space around the spinal cord and nerve roots. Disk fusion surgery reduces post-decompressive deformity. The spine fusion surgery corrects any deformity which is present before surgery. The surgery ensures normal alignment of the spine. Laser spine institute can perform spinal fusion surgery in minimally invasive manner.

Disadvantages of spinal fusion surgery

Sometimes disk fusion surgery may lead to more back pain and prolongs the recovery time. Inflammation and scaring is also possible after the surgery. Due to nerve irritation, pain or weakness can also occur. The fused segment may also cause stress near the fusion.

Risks of spinal fusion

The risks of disk fusion surgery include the following:

• Blood clots in the legs
• Infection in the lungs, bladder, or kidney
• Blood loss
• Breathing problems
• Infection in the wound or vertebral bones
• Damage to a spinal nerve, causing pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.
• Wear away of the vertebrae above and below the fusion