26 April 2022
What is Spinal Fusion?
While spinal fusion surgery is considered a minimally invasive procedure, it does require the use of bone grafts. If you are considering having this procedure, you will want to know the requirements. The following article will go over some of these aspects. You’ll learn about the process, what to expect, and the things you should avoid after the procedure. Before you go under the knife, read through the information below to learn more about this type of surgery.
Minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery
When a patient suffers from back pain, a minimally invasive spinal fusion can be the solution. These procedures involve small incisions through the spine and are commonly performed on the right side. Minimally invasive spine surgeries involve the use of a spinal instrumentation system and are performed using four small incisions. This minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissue. Minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures also involve the removal of the left facet joint, which allows the surgeon to access the disc between two vertebrae and remove the source of pain. They also open up the area where the spinal nerve passes through the spine.
Another technique is the posterior lumbar fusion, which involves fixing two lumbar vertebrae together. The surgeon inserts a bone graft along the side of the spine, rather than between the bones. Minimally invasive posterior lumbar fusion always involves instrumentation and metal screws/rods to help promote fusion. A surgeon may use both bone graft in this procedure.
Bone grafts
A surgeon who performs spinal fusion surgery may use bone grafts to stabilize the vertebrae. The material is placed between the vertebrae, and metal screws or plates may be used to keep the bones together during the healing process. Synthetic materials may also be used in place of bone grafts to promote bone growth and speed the fusion process. Typically, a patient must stay in the hospital for about two to three days after the procedure. Pain after spinal fusion surgery may be a minor side effect, but can be controlled by medication.
A surgeon will choose a bone graft based on the goals of the surgery, including the amount of support it will provide to the spine. The material’s osteoinductivity and osteoconductivity determine whether it can support a fusion and grow new bone. Osteogenicity, on the other hand, refers to the presence of bone cells. These properties are essential for spinal fusion surgery.
NSAIDs
There is a burgeoning body of evidence linking NSAID use with nonunion rates following spinal fusion surgery. The literature suggests that these drugs may affect the rate of nonunion, with important ramifications for patients. This review examined relevant research, including in vivo animal studies and clinical human trials, to explore the impact of NSAIDs on postoperative pain. It considered all study designs and settings.
Patients who undergo spinal fusion surgery should not take NSAIDs for three months after surgery. NSAIDs can inhibit the formation of bone, a key part of recovery after surgery. However, patients may resume taking these medications after one to two weeks at home. Female patients should not take NSAIDs for the first week following the surgery. If you have an adverse reaction to any of these medications, contact your physician as soon as possible.
Risks of Spinal Fusion
There are several risks associated with spinal fusion surgery. Patients should weigh the risks with the benefits of the procedure to determine if it is the best choice. The surgery can cause permanent changes to the spinal column and can also result in further surgeries. Because vertebrae are fused together, additional stress is placed on them. This added stress can accelerate wear on the vertebral joints and lead to further degeneration. It is important to discuss the risks with your doctor, who can provide additional information.
Aside from the risks of the procedure itself, patients must also be aware of the long recovery time following the procedure. Most spinal fusion surgeries last between six and twelve months. Patients may need physical therapy to regain full motion. Patients can return to normal activities after six months or one year. However, a patient must stay out of the sun for two years after the surgery to minimize the risk of infection. Another major risk is failure of bone fusion. In one to two percent of patients, the bone does not fuse. If this happens, repeat surgery may be necessary to fix the problem.
Other Back Surgery Options
There are other options available to back surgery patients. These options may include:
1. Spinal fusion surgery – This type of back surgery is a traditional procedure that can help reduce the pain and inflammation in the back area. It involves surgically joining two or more vertebrae together to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves, which often results in decreased pain, improved mobility, and reduced dependency on medications.
2. Chiari malformation care – Chiari malformation is a condition in which the brain and spinal cord are abnormally located within the skull. Common symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, difficulty walking, and problems with speech. Chiari malformation often requires surgery to correct it, but there is also potential for long-term treatments that may help manage symptoms.
3. Spinal decompression – This type of back surgery is used to relieve pressure on nerve roots or spinal discs caused by past injuries or conditions. A small opening is made in the back and then pressure is relieved through injections or surgery.
4. Opioid sparing surgery – This type of back surgery is used to eliminate pain without the use of opioids. It involves removing or damaging discs that may be causing upper back and neck pain, as well as other structures in the spine.
5. Spinal fusion with an interbody device (IBD) – IBD is a type of spinal fusion that uses an implant between two vertebrae to help stabilize them and reduce motion . It is a more recent type of spine surgery that may provide better long-term results than traditional spinal fusion.
Chiropractic Alternatives to Spinal Fusion
Chiropractors offer a few alternatives to patients with chronic back pain or back injuries. These include:
1. Acupuncture – Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that uses small needles to stimulate specific points on the body to relieve pain. It has been shown to be effective for treating chronic back pain and other conditions.
2. chiropractic care – Chiropractors use gentle, manual adjustments and spinal manipulation to treat back pain and other conditions. This type of treatment is often more Effective than surgery or medications for managing chronic back pain.
3. therapeutic massage – Therapeutic massage is another form of alternative medicine that uses pressure and strokes to relieve tension and pain in the body. This type of treatment has been shown to be helpful for treating back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other conditions.
4. spinal manipulation – Spinal manipulation is a type of chiropractic treatment that uses gentle, manual adjustments to the spine and related muscles to relieve back pain and other conditions. There is limited research available on the benefits of spinal manipulation for treating chronic back pain, but it appears to be beneficial in some cases.