Spinal Fusion

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KEY POINTS

• Spinal fusion is surgery to join together two or more bones in your spine. It is done to help stabilize the bones in your spine, fix a problem with your bones, or to treat back pain.
• You will have special instructions and activity restrictions while you heal. You will need to be very careful in how you move, to prevent damage to the fused area. You may need to start a rehabilitation program to help you learn how to keep your back straight while doing your normal activities.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion is surgery to join together two or more bones in your spine. It is done to help stabilize the bones in your spine, fix a problem with your bones, or to treat back pain. As the fusion heals, it keeps getting stronger for about 1 to 2 years.

Spinal fusion is usually done using bone grafts. Pieces of bone may be taken from your hip bone and used to join the bones in your spine. Bone from a bone bank or man-made bone may also be used. The fusion may also include the use of hooks, rods, screws, wires, or other kinds of hardware to attach the bones of your spine together. The hardware may be left in permanently, or in some cases may be removed during a future surgery.

When is it used?

Your provider may recommend spinal fusion if you have:

• Broken bones in your back or neck
• Disc problems in your back or neck caused by conditions such as a herniated disc, arthritis, or a birth defect
• Abnormal curves of the back, such as scoliosis
• A weak or unstable spine from infections or tumors

Spinal fusion is usually done only when other types of treatments have not worked for you.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

• Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks while you recover.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It’s best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the surgery?

You will be given a general anesthetic to keep you from feeling pain. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and you will be asleep. A breathing tube is usually put in your throat when you have general anesthesia.

The surgery can be done either from the front or back of the body.

Your healthcare provider will make a cut in the skin over the bones in your spine that will be fused. Your provider may remove damaged bone. The bone graft material will be put between the bones of your back. This allows the bones to grow together and fuse. Rods, hooks, or wires may be used to hold the bones together until the bones are healed. The bones will fuse together over time and that part of your spine will no longer bend as it did before the fusion.

What happens after the procedure?

After a spinal surgery, you can usually go home in a few days. The recovery time depends on the type of hardware used, the problem that was corrected, and your age and health.

You will have special instructions and activity restrictions while you heal. You will need to be very careful in how you move, to prevent damage to the fused area. You may need to wear a brace for a while. Some braces will limit your ability to move while others are used for support and comfort. The type of brace you will need depends on your specific surgery.

After your healthcare provider can see that the bone is healing, you may need to start a rehabilitation program to help you learn how to keep your back straight while doing your normal activities.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have infection or bleeding.
• Nerves or blood vessels in the area may be damaged.
• The bones may not fuse and you may need further surgery.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.