Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion refers to surgery done in a hospital to 'fuse' or join together part of the spine. A neurosurgeon (spine specialist) or an orthopedic surgeon (bone specialist) usually performs the spinal fusion. It is used only when other types of treatments have failed.

Conditions that may require spinal fusion include:

• collapse or break of vertebrae

• disc problems in the back

• narrowing of the spinal canal and

• certain types of severe back pain not responding to other types of treatment

The surgical approach can be done either from the front or back of the body. The surgeon will decide which approach is the best for the individual's condition. Regardless of the approach, the back bones, called vertebrae, are joined together by adding bone in the space between the back bones. These pieces of bone will then heal together with the vertebrae and cause a "fusion" of the bones.

How many back bones are involved in the fusion depend on how many are abnormal. Discs may be removed from where they are causing pain and replaced with pieces of bone, usually from the outer pelvic bone. Sometimes, part of the spinal canal is opened to make more room for the nerves that travel through that area.

In most cases spinal fusion can eliminate the pain and symptoms. However, not everyone gets better after this surgery. It is important for the specialist to explain the options, risks, and benefits of the surgery. It is also important that the person having this surgery understands the expected outcomes.

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