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What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Thespinal column, or backbone, is made up of small, individual bones that are stacked together.
Between each of these vertebrae is a soft cushion called a disk.
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If there is a problem with vertebrae or disks, movement can become painful.
Fusing two or more vertebrae together, via bone grafting, eliminates the motion that is causing pain.
The technique used depends on the location of the affected vertebrae and extent of work needed.
Contraindications
Spinal fusion surgery is typically performed as a last resort after other treatments have failed.
There are no contraindications associated with the procedure.
Several conditions are characterized by movement of vertebrae that causes back and/or neck pain.
Medication and physical therapy are first-line treatments for back pain.
Location
Spinal fusion surgery is performed in a hospital operating room.
The risk of spine fusion failurethe lack of a new bone forminggoes up about 500% in smokers.
This is becausesmoking impedes new bone formation, which can have a detrimental effect on your recovery.
Remember to bring your insurance documents and identification.
Before the Procedure
You will be taken to a room to change into a hospital gown.
You will be connected to an IV for fluids and medications.
The operating room may be chilly, but you will have blankets to keep warm.
How you are placed on the table will depend on the jot down of procedure being done.
In a posterior approach surgery, you will be placed on your stomach.
The anesthesia provider will give you an IV sedative to help you relax.
The breathing tube is necessary because general anesthesia causes temporary paralysis in addition to rendering you unconscious.
it’s possible for you to expect to be groggy at first, slowly becoming more alert.
They will also teach you gentle muscle and nerve stretching exercises.
You may also be fitted for a back brace to use as you recover.
Older adults or those who have had more extensive procedures can take four to six months to recover.
The dressing will likely come off on its own after seven to 10 days.
Blood clots can be dangerous if they travel through the blood stream and settle into the lungs.
While opioids are very effective pain relievers, they are addictive and should be used sparingly.
Many medical professionals recommend alternating dosing between the two.
However, Percocet also contains acetaminophen and should not be taken with Tylenol as liver damage can occur.
Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation after spinal fusion surgery is essential to reducing pain and improving overall function.
Formal post-op physical therapy programs for spinal fusion surgery tend to begin around two to three months after surgery.
A Word From Verywell
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: OrthoInfo.Spinal fusion.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: OrthoInfo.Spinal fusion glossary.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Spinal fusion.
University of Michigan.How to Care for Yourself After Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery.
American College of Surgeons.Medication and surgery: before your operation.
Kaiser Permanente.Spinal Surgery Handbook.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Surgery.
2018;8(3):e20.
doi:10.2106/JBJS.ST.17.00068
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Spine surgery.
Mayo Clinic.Pain medications after surgery.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.
