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Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is the name of a procedure in which surgeons weld two or more vertebrae together in order to stabilize the spine. This procedure is most commonly completed in the lumbar (lower) spine, but can also be used in the thoracic (middle) or cervical (neck) segments as well. Spinal fusion is most frequently recommended to patients who are experiencing back and/or neck pain as a result of the motion between two vertebrae. Sources of this discomfort can include diseases like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or as a result of spinal fracture, among others. Fusion also might become necessary to stabilize the spine after surgeons remove significant portions of the spinal column to treat back and neck conditions.

Spinal fusion is an open back surgery where the surgeon uses a bone graft, rods, and screws to permanently "fuse" the vertebrae together. As mentioned previously, this is done to relieve pain and other symptoms that are caused by regular motion between two vertebrae. Furthermore, if surgeons remove a herniated disc or a significant amount of bone tissue in the spine, fusion may be used to provide stability where spinal components are missing. Because fusion is permanent, there are a number of key factors that must first be considered before undergoing surgery:

• Spinal fusion is not always effective – an estimated 25% of bone grafts are rejected
• The source of the pain may actually be transferred to a different segment of the spine after surgery
• The presence of scar tissue buildup from open back surgery can become a new source of pain if the scar tissue presses upon spinal nerves
• Rehabilitation from open back spinal surgery is lengthy and often painful
• Fusing two vertebrae together removes back or neck flexibility and can limit mobility for life

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Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options besides spinal fusion that can be considered to alleviate back pain. As with any spine surgery, a doctor will always try to manage the symptoms with a conservative treatment plan of home remedies, such as the application of heat or ice, stretching exercises, and pain medication. To be sure, there are instances where spine disorders cannot be managed conservatively, however spinal fusion is not always the only option.

For example, patients suffering from degenerative disc disease or other disc disorders may be candidates for a minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic procedure that can alleviate the pain, without requiring open back dissection. In fact, endoscopic surgery is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to open back surgery because the endoscopic approach is quicker, less painful, and doesn’t require hospitalization.

So before you undergo permanent spinal fusion, contact the award-winning staff at Laser Spine Institute (LSI), to learn more about the exciting field of endoscopic surgery and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan. LSI offers a number of gentle laser procedures that can help address your pain, without the long-term effects of traditional surgery.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.