Spinal Fusion And Why It Is Done

By Author: Rohan Sinha
Total Articles: 276
Comment this article

What is spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion refers to the surgical procedure, which permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the spine. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a bone or a bone-like-material to hold the two vertebrae together so that they can heal into one solid unit.

The point that needs to be noted here that spinal fusion surgery results into immobilization of parts of spine, and therefore, can change the way a patient's spine moves.

Why it is done, and why should you look for the best orthopaedic hospitals

The patient is recommended spinal fusion for the following reasons:

Broken Vertebrae – It's not like that this surgery is recommended for all broken vertebrae; in fact, many of the broken vertebrae heal without treatment. But, if the broken vertebrae make the spinal column unstable, spinal fusion surgery may be considered.

Spinal Deformities – This surgery can help correct the deformities of the spine.

Herniated Disk – This surgery may become necessary following removal of a damaged or herniated disk; this is done to stabilize the spine.

Spondylolisthesis ...
... – Spinal fusion surgery may be needed to treat Spondylolisthesis to relieve the person from severe back pain, or nerve crowding that leads to leg pain.

Spinal Weakness – A person may experience spinal weakness or instability if there is an abnormal or excessive motion between his two vertebrae. Severe arthritis also leads to spinal weakness. Spinal stability can be achieved with the help of spinal fusion surgery.

Severe Low Back Pain – Surgery isn't the solution for all low back pains. However, if the pain persists and non-surgical treatments do not help the patient, surgery may be considered to restrict spinal motion.

One should look for the best orthopaedic hospitals if the doctor has recommended spinal fusion surgery. The hospital should be well-equipped with the surgical tools and machines, and should have highly experienced surgeons on board. Search engine, like Google could be used to look for the best orthopaedic hospitals, or best hospital for spine surgery in India.

However, the spinal fusion surgery may lead to additional stress and strain on the vertebrae above and below the fused portion as it immobilizes parts of spine. This will change the way spine of the patient moves post procedure. He/she will have to adjust to this new change.

Spinal fusion is generally a safe procedure. However, the potential complications may include:

Bleeding

Blood clots

Infection

Poor wound healing

Injury to blood vessels or nerves

If you or any of your loved ones have been recommended spinal fusion surgery, you should look for the best hospital for spine surgery in India. Max Healthcare is among the best orthopaedic hospitals in India, which provides world-class surgical and non-surgical treatments at very affordable costs.

Article Resource: http://snipsly.com/2013/05/21/spinal-fusion-and-why-it-is-done/