During spinal fusion
Surgeons perform spinal fusion while the person having the procedure is in a deep sleeplike state, known as general anesthesia. There are several ways to do spinal fusion surgery. The technique the surgeon uses depends on where the bones to be fused are on the spine, the reason for the spinal fusion, and possibly, general health and body shape.
Generally, the procedure involves the following:
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Getting to the spine. To get to the bones being fused, the surgeon cuts in one of three places. From the back, these cuts are in the neck or back directly over the spine or on either side of the spine. To get to the spine from the front, the surgeon cuts into the stomach area or throat.
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Getting the bone graft ready. Bone grafts come from a bone bank or from the body of the person having the surgery, usually from the pelvis. Sometimes surgeons use human-made material instead of bone grafts. To use the person's bone, the surgeon cuts near the pelvic bone, removes a small part of it and then closes the cut.
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Fusion. To fuse the spinal bones, the surgeon places the bone graft material between the bones. The surgeon might use metal plates, screws or rods to help hold the bones together while the bone graft heals.
After spinal fusion
A hospital stay of 2 to 3 days is usually required following spinal fusion. Depending on the location and extent of your surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort. Medicines usually can control pain.
At home after surgery, contact your healthcare team if there are signs of infection. Watch for:
- A change in color around the wound. This might be a shade of red, purple or brown depending on your skin color.
- Tenderness or swelling in the wound area.
- Fluid coming from the wound.
- Chills that cause shaking.
- Fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
It can take several months for the bones in the spine to heal and fuse. A healthcare professional might suggest wearing a brace for a time to keep the spine straight. Physical therapy can teach how to move, sit, stand and walk in a way that keeps the spine in line.