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Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery takes pressure off of the nerves that are causing pain. This is done by restoring the alignment of the spine or the space between the vertebrae, and then stabilising and fusing the spine. A spinal fusion is when bone grows between the vertebra, stopping any motion in the area, which reduces pain.
Depending on the condition of the spine, the doctor may use an anterior approach, which means the incision will be in the abdomen, or a posterior approach, which means the incision will be in the back.
Sometimes the doctor may choose to use a combination of the two. If the doctor uses a posterior approach, then a pedicle screw system is used to stabilise the spine while it fuses and heals. The pedicle screw system may be used alone or it can be combined with another stabilising device.
During surgery, the doctor may relieve the nerve compression by removing the disc (called a discectomy). The doctor may also relieve pressure on the nerve by trimming or removing the roof, or lamina, of the vertebra to create more space for the nerve (called laminectomy ). The doctor then restores the space around the nerves and prepares to stabilise the spine with the pedicle screw system. There are a number of components in a pedicle screw system, and the doctor will choose the ones that will work best for your spine.
The screws are placed through each side of the vertebrae in the part of the part of the bone called the pedicle. Rods are then attached to connect the screws and hold the spine in its restored position. The pedicle screw system is now secure. In the last step of the surgery, the doctor places bone graft (small chips of bone) alongside of the vertebrae to be fused or puts the graft in and around a device that's placed between the vertebrae. Bone graft can come from the patient's hip bone, from a bone bank, or from a combination of both.
Spinal Fusion
The pedicle screw system will hold the spine stable until the bone graft fuses with the vertebrae. Although bone fusion is a natural biological process, complete fusion can take up to one year. In some cases, people may have trouble fusing their spine. Many things, such as smoking or various medications, can interfere with successful fusion. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks associated with your specific surgery.
Download patient information
The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to provide relief from the pain you've been having and make your spine more stable. Download this patient information brochure to learn more about spinal fusion systems.
This brochure includes information about
Spinal fusion surgery takes pressure off of the nerves that are causing pain. This is done by restoring the alignment of the spine or the space between the vertebrae, and then stabilising and fusing the spine. A spinal fusion is when bone grows between the vertebra, stopping any motion in the area, which reduces pain.
Depending on the condition of the spine, the doctor may use an anterior approach, which means the incision will be in the abdomen, or a posterior approach, which means the incision will be in the back.
Sometimes the doctor may choose to use a combination of the two. If the doctor uses a posterior approach, then a pedicle screw system is used to stabilise the spine while it fuses and heals. The pedicle screw system may be used alone or it can be combined with another stabilising device.
During surgery, the doctor may relieve the nerve compression by removing the disc (called a discectomy). The doctor may also relieve pressure on the nerve by trimming or removing the roof, or lamina, of the vertebra to create more space for the nerve (called laminectomy ). The doctor then restores the space around the nerves and prepares to stabilise the spine with the pedicle screw system. There are a number of components in a pedicle screw system, and the doctor will choose the ones that will work best for your spine.
The screws are placed through each side of the vertebrae in the part of the part of the bone called the pedicle. Rods are then attached to connect the screws and hold the spine in its restored position. The pedicle screw system is now secure. In the last step of the surgery, the doctor places bone graft (small chips of bone) alongside of the vertebrae to be fused or puts the graft in and around a device that's placed between the vertebrae. Bone graft can come from the patient's hip bone, from a bone bank, or from a combination of both.
Spinal Fusion
The pedicle screw system will hold the spine stable until the bone graft fuses with the vertebrae. Although bone fusion is a natural biological process, complete fusion can take up to one year. In some cases, people may have trouble fusing their spine. Many things, such as smoking or various medications, can interfere with successful fusion. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks associated with your specific surgery.
Download patient information
The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to provide relief from the pain you've been having and make your spine more stable. Download this patient information brochure to learn more about spinal fusion systems.
This brochure includes information about
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The healthy spine
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Problems of the back, including degenerative disc disease
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Non-surgical and surgical treatments
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Fusion surgery
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What you can expect before and after surgery
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A glossary is also provided to help you become familiar with medical terms your doctor may use to describe your condition and treatment.
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