Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is the surgical technique of combining two or more vertebrae. Fusion of the vertebrae involves insertion of secondary bone tissue obtained either through auto graft (tissues from the same patient) or allograft (tissues from the other person) to augment the bone healing process.

Lumbar (lower back) region of the spine are more prone to spine fusion when compared to the other regions such as cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) parts of the spine. Usually spinal fusion is recommended in patients with neurological problems or severe pain that have not responded to conservative treatment.

Indications for lumbar spinal fusion

Various spinal conditions may be treated though lumbar spinal fusion such as:

  • Spinal stenosis
  • Damaged disc
  • Spinal tumour
  • Fractures of the spine
  • Scoliosis and Kyphosis (abnormal curvatures of the spine)

Procedure:

Spinal fusion can be performed through different angles depending upon the specific advantages of each and the choice of your surgeon. It may involve interbody fusion where bone graft is placed in the space present between the two vertebras. Other techniques may also be employed for spinal fusion that involves the entire removal of the disc between the affected vertebrae. A specially designed device made either from plastic or titanium may be placed between the vertebrae. This helps in maintaining spine alignment and normal height of the disc.

The fusion process is followed by fixation that involves fitting of metallic screws, rods, plates or cages to stabilize the vertebrae and accelerate bone fusion. After surgery, 6-12 months is the ideal time for complete fusion to take place.

Complications:

The complications associated with spinal fusion include infection, nerve damage, blood clots or blood loss, bowel and bladder problems and problems associated with anaesthesia. The primary risk of spinal fusion surgery is failure of fusion of vertebral bones which may require an additional surgery.

Talk to your surgeon if you have concerns regarding spinal fusion procedure.

  • Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital

    NHS

    Ashford and St Peter’s
    Hospital
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Guildford Road, Cherstey,
    Surrey, KY16 0PZ.
    Ph: 01932 722 730
  • The BMI Runnymede Hospital

    Private

    The BMI
    Runnymede Hospital
    Guildford Road,
    Ottershaw, CHERTSEY,
    KT16 0RQ.
    Ph: 01932 877800
  • Spire St Anthony’s Hospital

    Private

    Spire St Anthony’s
    Hospital
    801 London Road,
    NORTH CHEAM,
    SM3 9DW.
    Ph: 020 8337 6691
  • Nuffield Health Woking Hospital

    Private

    Nuffield Health
    Woking Hospital
    Shores Road,
    WOKING,
    GU21 4BY.
    Ph: 01483 331257
  • Ramsay Health Ashtead Hospital

    Private

    Ramsay Health
    Ashtead Hospital
    The Warren,
    Ashtead, Surrey.
    KT21 2SB.
    Ph: 01372 221400