Spinal injuries are severe and it requires serious efforts to fix them as well. In this post, we will talk about one such surgical procedure that is aimed at fixing different types of spinal conditions. The procedure we are talking about is “Spinal Fusion.”
Spinal fusion is a surgery in which two vertebrae are permanently fused while eliminating any movement between them. This surgery is considered the last treatment method when all other techniques fail to provide relief. Orthopaedic trauma implants and Instruments may also be required during the procedure. Let us see what happens during this surgery and why it is performed.
What is Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion is an orthopedic surgical procedure where the movement of the problematic vertebral segment in the spine is permanently restricted by fusing the vertebrae. This helps relieve pain and other associated symptoms. The surgical procedure involves the placement of a bone graft between two vertebrae along with Orthopedic Implants Plates, orthopedic screws, and rods to hold vertebrae in place.
Why Spinal Fusion Surgery is Done?
There are many spinal conditions for which spinal fusion is recommended by the healthcare service provider as no other treatment methods can provide any relief. The goal of this surgical procedure is to provide stability to the spine and curb pain & swelling associated with the condition. Below mentioned are some of the situations in which doctor recommends fusion surgery:
Spinal Deformities
This surgery can correct deformities of the spine like curvature caused by scoliosis.
Spinal Weakness or Instability
Sometimes, the spine becomes unstable and/or weak when a specific spinal region is used excessively. This could occur while playing sports or being engaged in athletic activities continuously for a long time. Abnormal motion of the spine could also be the cause of such a condition. This could lead to spinal arthritis. To relieve problems that arise due to these issues, spinal fusion is effective.
Herniated Disc
Spinal fusion is also known to be one of the best ways to fix bulging/herniated disc.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before the surgery, the healthcare service provider performs certain tests to confirm the region where fusion needs to be done.
The whole procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, and this means that the person will be asleep during the surgery.
Now, the first step during the surgery will be to access the vertebrae, and this will be done by making an incision either in the neck or back, either side of the spine, or in the abdomen or throat. The location of the incision will depend upon the spinal region that needs to be operated on.
After gaining vertebral access, the surgeon will prepare the bone graft. It can either be received from the patient or a donor. In case the graft is obtained from the patient, it will be done from the pelvis. For that, the surgeon will make an incision on the pelvic region, obtain a bone graft, and close the incision immediately.
The final step during the surgery is the fusion of vertebrae where the bone graft is placed to fill the gap between vertebrae and metal plates, rods, and screws are applied to hold vertebrae in place to allow healing of the bone graft and development of a solid fusion. After this, the incision will be closed.
To get CE-certified orthopedic devices used for spinal fusion and other orthopedic surgeries, find reliable orthopaedic device companies in Lithuania.
