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Spinal Fusion Vs. Microdiskectomy

Spinal fusion and microdiskectomy are two surgeries designed to address structural problems in the spine. In some cases, individuals undergoing a microdiskectomy may receive a spinal fusion as a follow-up procedure.

  1. Spinal Fusion

    • During spinal fusion surgery, doctors use narrow strips of material called bone grafts to permanently join two spinal bones and eliminate motion between them, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Microdiskectomy

    • During a microdiskectomy, doctors remove sections of a herniated (ruptured) disc that have intruded upon the proper function of nearby nerve roots, according to the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center.

    Bone Grafts

    • Bone grafts for spinal fusion may come from another location on the patient, from a bone graft donor or from synthetic materials, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Once placed, these materials may receive extra support from plates, screws or specially-designed cages.

    Microdiskectomy Benefits

    • Microdiskectomy is an improvement over more intrusive forms of disc surgery, notes the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center. Instead of stripping muscles away from the spine, the procedure involves use of a special spreader that moves the muscles to the sides.

    Associated Conditions

    • In addition to microdiskectomy follow-up, a patient may receive a spinal fusion to correct problems including spinal fractures, abnormal curvatures and spinal stenosis (narrowing), reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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