By Dr. Jagadeesh , Orthopaedics
Spinal fusion is a form of surgery which involves the merging of two or more vertebrae into a single structure. This is done with the intent of stopping any kind of motion between the two vertebrae in order to prevent back pain. Once they’re fused, there are almost little to no chances of stretching the surrounding nerves, muscles or ligaments. The operation normally involves methods which are made to imitate the body’s natural healing process. In order to hold the invertebrate together and keep it intact, metal plates, screws and rods are inserted. These gradually fuse together into one solid unit. They are very effective in treating deformities, injuries and instability in the spine.
Reasons for undergoing this surgery:
You should consider undergoing this surgery if you are experiencing any one of the following:
• Degenerative herniated disc disease
• Deformities of the spine like scoliosis and kyphosis (hunching of the back)
• Spondylolisthesis (forward displacement of a vertebra)
• Broken vertebrae
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal spaces)
• Spine tumors and infections
• Spinal weakness or instability
Risk factors:
There are quite a number of risks which may accompany the operation. These may include:
• Blood clotting
• Infection
• Injury to blood vessels near the spine
• Bleeding
• Risks from use of anesthesia
• Poor wound healing
Other complications that may arise are:
• Viral fever
• Shaking chills
• Swelling or redness in the area
• Intensive pain