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Spinal Fusion : An Overview
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at permanently connecting two
or more
vertebrae in the spine,
typically to alleviate pain and improve stability. During the procedure, our surgeons
utilize various
techniques to fuse the vertebrae together, such as bone grafts, hardware, or biologic
materials.
Regardless of the specific technique used, the primary goal of spinal
fusion is to
stabilize the spine and
reduce pain by eliminating motion between vertebrae.
When Do You Need Spinal Fusion?
Our primary treatment modalities include pain medication and physiotherapy following the diagnosis of your condition. Our spine specialists may recommend additional treatments if these initial approaches fail to deliver the desired outcomes. Early intervention is recommended for the following symptoms:
- 1. Foot drop or leg weakness
- 2. Bowel or bladder dysfunction
- 3. Increasing numbness
- 4. Severe pain impacting daily activities
- 5.Persistent or worsening pain despite initial improvement
- 6.Lack of improvement or worsening of symptoms despite conservative therapy.
→Pre-Surgical Care For Spinal Fusion
→What to Expect During Spinal Fusion
→ Guidelines For Post-Surgical Care of
Spinal
Fusion
Although it is a major surgery, spinal fusion requires adequate pre-operative measures to ensure your safety and the procedure's success.
- Consult your doctor for an overall health and fitness checkup prior to your surgery appointment.
- Inform your doctor of the medications you are following. Your doctor may advise you to refrain from taking blood thinners and other medicines before the surgery.
- Your specialist shall review your condition and discuss the details of surgery, including physiotherapy, medications, and other surgeries to remove diseased or fusion discs.
- Refrain from taking any food or drink after your dinner the night prior to the surgery day. (Typically after 10 pm).
- You will receive general anaesthesia to ensure the procedure is pain-free and convenient for you.
- Inclusive of the anaesthesia time (in and out), positioning time (in and out), skin preparation, and procedure, the entire surgery will take a few hours.
- Once the procedure is complete, your doctor will help you recover from the anaesthetic effect.
- You will be wheeled to the recovery room and kept under observation for an hour, after which you will be shifted to the ward.
- You might experience post-operative pain. Our doctors will prescribe adequate analgesics for that.
- Our goal is to mobilise you and get you back on your feet the same day. Our physiotherapy team shall give you all the guidance and encouragement you need.
- Any urinary catheters placed during the surgery (for some cases) will be removed once you are mobile.
- You may experience some stiffness or soreness in the operated site. You may also experience numbness in your legs. However, these side effects will gradually subside.
- Your post-operative hospital stay depends on your recovery process. However, most patients return home the following day.
- Our clinical team will dress your wound with a waterproof dressing and guide you on changing it every alternate day.
- Kindly schedule follow-up appointments after Week 1, Week 6, and six months after your surgery.
- Make things convenient for yourself at home. Keep your personal items and medications within reach to avoid straining your back.
- Maintain an organised atmosphere by removing any clutter or furniture that may cause unwanted accidents.
- Arrange for a family member or friend to provide post-surgical care after your return home.
Understanding Spinal fusion
Unlike a
traditional discectomy, spinal fusion is aimed at stabilizing the spine by
fusing
together two or more vertebrae. This helps to reduce pain and restore
function.
Generally, spinal fusion is considered a safe procedure. However, like
any surgery,
there are potential risks including:
- Infection
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
Generally, the
procedure lasts sixty to ninety minutes, depending on how many levels are
operated on. You will require two to four hours post-surgical recovery time,
after which you may return home.