Spinal fusion is an operation that permanently joins two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. This stops painful or unstable movement between them. In instrumented fusion, screws and rods (or a plate in the neck) hold the vertebrae in position while bone graft placed between them heals.
Fusion is used when a segment of the spine is unstable or needs to be held in a corrected position. Common reasons include:
It can be done in the lower back (lumbar), the mid-back (thoracic) or the neck (cervical).
Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon exposes the vertebrae, relieves any pressure on the nerves, places screws and rods, and adds bone graft. Depending on the level and the reason for surgery, this may be done from the back, or in the neck, from the front.
Risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, blood clots, the bones not fusing, and problems with the screws. Over time, the discs next to the fused level carry more load and can wear faster. Your surgeon will explain your individual risks and expected benefit.
Dr D.D. Beekarun.