Back disorders such as herniated discs, fractures, and scoliosis are treated with spinal fusion, a surgical treatment that joins the bones of the spinal column together. During the procedure, vertebrae are fused together to form a single solid bone, which eliminates movement and relieves discomfort.

Spinal Fusion

Tiny bones that are joined to one another form the backbone, which is also referred to as the spinal column. Each of these vertebrae is separated from the next by a pliable cushion known as a disc. Because of the distance between the vertebrae, each one of them may bend slightly, which enables you to do things like bend forward, arch your back, and turn from side to side.

When there are issues with the vertebrae or discs, movement can potentially become painful. Bone grafts are used to fuse two or more vertebrae together, which eliminates the mobility that was causing the patient agony.

Bone can be harvested from another part of the patient’s body (an autograft), a piece of a vertebra that has been removed for the purpose of decompression (a local autograft), or bone can be harvested from the body of a deceased donor (an allograft).

Purpose of Spinal Fusion

Bone grafting is utilised in spinal fusion procedures with the intention of fostering new bone growth between two or more adjacent vertebrae. The vertebrae will be connected together after the new bone has formed, and there should be no additional movement between the fused parts after that.

Back and/or neck pain can be caused by movement of the vertebrae, which can be caused by a number of different disorders. Spinal fusion in Hyderabad consequently has the potential to alleviate a variety of ailments, including the following:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Vertebrae that have been broken.
  • Infection
  • Disk herniation
  • Cancerous tumour

It may be a long journey from the first symptoms of back pain to the decision to have spinal fusion surgery. Surgery is often not even a consideration until after other, less invasive therapies have been tried and found to be unsuccessful, with the exception of cases involving shattered vertebrae. The initial therapies for back pain often consist of medical treatment and physical therapy.

The patient’s medical history, tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and a physical examination are taken into consideration while making the choice to proceed with spinal surgery.

Before the Procedure

Inform your surgeon about any medications you are currently taking. These include over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements that you bought.

During the days leading up to the procedure:

  • Get your house ready for when you get discharged from the hospital.
  • If you are a smoker, you have to give up the habit immediately. People who continue to smoke after having spinal fusion surgery may not heal as well as others. Consult with your surgeon for assistance.
  • It is possible that your surgeon will ask you to stop taking any medications two weeks before surgery that make it more difficult for your blood to clot. These include the anti-inflammatory medications aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other similar medications.
  • If you have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or any other medical condition, your surgeon will ask you to consult your primary care physician before the procedure.
  • If you have been consuming a lot of alcohol, you should discuss it with your surgeon.
  • Inquire with your surgeon about the medications that you must continue to take on the day of the operation.
  • Inform your surgeon if you are suffering from any disease, such as a cold, the flu, a fever, or any other illness.

On the day of the procedure:

  • Ensure that you comply with the advice for abstaining from food and drink before the procedure.
  • You should take the medication that you were prescribed with a very small sip of water.
  • Make sure you don’t arrive late to the hospital.

After the Procedure

It is possible that you will need to remain in the hospital for between three and four days after having surgery.

You will be provided with pain medication while you are in the hospital. You have the option of orally taking pain medication, getting it injected, or receiving it through an intravenous line (IV). You can be given a pump that gives you control over the amount of pain medication that you take.

You are going to be instructed on how to move effectively, including how to sit, stand, and walk. When it comes to getting out of bed, you are going to be instructed to employ the “log-rolling” method. This indicates that you move your entire body at the same time, avoiding any twisting of the spine.

It’s possible that you won’t be able to consume normal food for the next few of days. You will receive nutrients through an IV, and in addition to that, you will eat food that is more soft. It is possible that you will be discharged from the hospital with a cast or back brace to wear.

After your spine surgery, your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to take better care of yourself at home. Take care of your back by following the directions given to you on how to do so at home.

Recovery

Recovery time might range from four to six months for individuals who are older or who have undergone more comprehensive treatments. Patients who are younger have a better chance of recovering more quickly, but they should still plan on it taking four to six weeks before they can return to work at a desk job. Physical labour will take even longer.

Summary

 

When various treatments for chronic back pain have been tried and shown to be unsuccessful, spinal fusion surgery can be a very effective therapy option. Your chances of having a favourable outcome from the treatment can be improved if you follow the directions given to you by your best spinal fusion surgeon in Hyderabad regarding appropriate post-surgical care.