What Are the Causes of Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is not a condition that is caused naturally. It is a surgical procedure that is recommended and performed to treat certain injuries and problems with the back or spine. The procedure involves correcting problems within the vertebrae along the spine. Specifically, spinal fusion involves using bone grafts, rods and screws to stabilize the spine.

Reasons for Spinal Fusion

• Spinal fusion is recommended to treat certain injuries. Specific injuries that may result in the need for spinal fusion include injuries to vertebrae on the spine, protrusion or degeneration of the disks between vertebrae that cushion the spine (slipped disks), curvature of the spine (including scoliosis) and a spine made weak or unstable by a tumor or infection. Fusing the vertebrae together stabilizes the spine. Depending on the underlying cause of the surgery, this increased stabilization can eliminate excess movement between the vertebrae or correct deformities that were beginning to occur as the spine moved.

  Specific symptoms that may cause a doctor to recommend spinal fusion include pain in the buttocks, legs, back or thighs; numbness or tingling in one or both legs; and weakness in one or both legs. Typically, treatment with medication is attempted before spinal fusion is recommended.

Types of Spinal Fusion

• Bone grafts are commonly used to help the spine fuse during spinal fusion surgery. Small pieces of bone are inserted into the space between the vertebrae to be fused. Typically, if the patient can donate his own bone, this "autogenous" bone is better at causing the spine to fuse than donated bone (called allograft bone). Following the surgery, the bones of the spine are usually held in place with rods and screws to allow the spinal fusion to take place.

Preparing for Spinal Fusion

• Prior to spinal fusion surgery, you may be asked to refrain from taking certain medications, including aspirin or NSAIDs (pain killers) that may interfere with the anesthesia.

  Furthermore, although you can typically walk after the surgery, you will not be able to drive or do many daily activities by yourself, including bathing or dressing. You will need to prepare for care to be provided for you as the spine fuses and you heal.

Avoiding Problems

• Blood clots or infections are potential side effects after spinal fusion surgery. You must watch carefully for signs of clots, including swelling in the legs, pain in the calf or tenderness around the knees.

  Infections may also occur after the surgery, so you should be aware of redness or pain around the incision from the surgery or drainage from the incision area.

Risks of Spinal Fusion

• Risks after spinal fusion surgery are relatively minor. Potential complications may include temporarily decreased intestinal functions and difficulty with urination. In addition, recurrent disk problems may result after the surgery. Finally, nerve damage is another potential side effect, although it is rare.