Spinal Fusion Surgery
What is Spinal Fusion surgery?
Spinal fusion can also be known as arthrodesis, anterior spinal fusion, posterior spinal fusion or vertebral interbody fusion. It is a surgery to permanently fix two or more vertebrae together as one with no spaces in between them. Vertebrae are small bones that are present in the spine and spinal fusion aims at correcting these small bones.
Dr.Praful’s orthopedic clinic offers the best spinal fusion surgery in Hyderabad with certified doctors and staff. The surgery helps reduce pain in the back and spine, improving mobility and support to your spine.
Types of disorders that can be treated with spinal fusion
Spinal fusion can be beneficial for treating a number of conditions and spinal disorders which cause excruciating pain and trouble during movement. Some of the disorders are –
- Kyphosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Disc diseases
- Tumors
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Fractures or injuries.
Ideal candidates for spinal fusion surgery
- People suffering with extreme neck pain or back pain.
- People that have seen no changes in non-surgical methods like therapies, medications etc can opt in for the surgery.
- People with a weak or unsteady spine.
- People suffering with spinal fractures that have been left untreated.
- People with spinal abnormalities.
At initial consultation
At the initial consultation with our doctor, you will be required to discuss your worries and queries. The doctor will ask you for any medical conditions that you have including a complete medical history. The medications or supplements that you currently take, will have to be listed. Any sort of allergies or illnesses that you have must be informed to the doctor beforehand.
The doctor will then explain further proceedings about the type of surgery, its requirements, the cost of the surgery, the mandatory implementations etc. The initial consultation would be the right time to discuss and deliberate your choices before opting in for the surgery.
Instructions before surgery.
- You will be asked to cut down on smoking and drinking as it can slow down the recovery process.
- Cut down on aspirin or medicines that are anti-inflammatory in nature.
- You will be required to shave and keep the area that is to be operated clean with antiseptic soap.
- A thorough body check up will be done before the surgery.
Procedure
Step 1 – General anesthesia will be given to the patient.
Step 2 – An incision will be made in the area that best suits your condition. It can either be done in the neck right above the spine, on the sides of the spine or in your throat or abdomen.
Step 3 – The bone graft is placed in between the vertebrae with metal screws and rods that provide assistance and support in keeping the graft in place.
The bone grafted can be arranged from a bone bank or it can be taken from your own body, particularly from the pelvis.
Step 4 – The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches or sutures.
Instructions after surgery
- You Will be required to remain admitted in the hospital for a minimum of 4 days or more depending on your doctor’s advice.
- Medications prescribed by the doctor must be taken to help with the discomfort and pain post-surgery.
- Excess physical activity must be restricted to avoid any further damage.
- A brace or support must be worn to keep your spine intact.
- Therapies and mild physical exercises will have to be followed regularly post surgery as advised by the doctor.
- The follow up appointments with your doctor must not be skipped or missed as the doctor may have to check on your spine and the surgery.
Side effects of the spine fusion surgery
Some of the possible complications that can arise from the spine fusion surgery include –
- Bleeding
- Nerve injuries
- Numbness
- Bone graft infection
- Blood clots
- Prolonged and persistent pain
- Slow healing of the wound.
Allergic reactions to anesthesia or medication.
- Blood clots
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Possibility of strokes or heart attacks in the elderly.
FAQs
How long is the spinal fusion procedure?
The spinal fusion surgery is a complicated surgery and may take upto 5-7 hours or less depending on the severity and need of the hour.
What does spinal fusion surgery do?
It permanently joins two or more bones to form a single bone that limits movement. This corrects the spinal abnormalities and works on creating a balanced and aligned vertebrae.
What is the recovery time of the surgery?
It can take upto 5-6 months for a complete recovery from spinal fusion surgery.
What is the cost of the spinal fusion surgery?
You can reach out to us for details regarding the cost and consultations of the spinal fusion surgery in Hyderabad.