Spinal Fusion

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgery in which bone is used to make a bridge between two vertebrae. This bone graft supports new bone growth.

Bone can either be taken from the pelvic bone, or from a bone bank.

Spinal fusion is a major surgery that often lasts several hours.

Procedure

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Intervertebral discs are a gelatinous material that sits between the bones of the spinal column. 

They can slip out of place (herniate) as a result of degeneration, heavy lifting or trauma. When discs herniate, it can cause:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Numbness in the arms and legs
• Spinal cord damage that leads to problems with walking or using the restroom

To repair a herniated disc, the bony protrusions on either side of the vertebrae (laminae) are removed to allow the spinal cord and nerves to decompress.

To stabilize the spine, titanium rods, screws and cages may be used.

Posterior cervical fusion

During a posterior cervical fusion, the posterior of the bony protrusions on either side of the vertebrae (laminae) are removed to allow the spinal cord and nerves to decompress.

Titanium rods, screws or cages are then used to stabilize and fuse the spine.