Spinal fusion (spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis) is the surgical method of joining two or more verebrae. It is done most commonly in the lumbar region of the spine, but it is also used to treat cervical and thoracic problems. In this procedure, the damaged and painful vertebrae are fused into a solid mass of stable bone. Fusion of the spine is used primarily to eliminate the pain caused by abnormal motion of the vertebrae by immobilizing the faulty vertebrae themselves, which is usually caused by degenerative conditions.
Types:
- 1. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)- the disc is accessed from an anterior abdominal incision
- 2. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) – the disc is accessed from a posterior incision over the spine
- 3. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) – the disc is accessed from a posterior incision on one side of the spine
- 4. Transpsoas interbody fusion (DLIF or XLIF) – the disc is accessed from an incision through the psoas muscle on one side of the spine
Surgery:
In this procedure, the vertebrae that need to be fused are exposed by the desired approach, the intervertebral gaps are fitted with a cage filled with bone graft which enables fusion of the bones.
Post-surgery
The patient may have to stay in the hospital for two to four days. During the first few weeks after the surgery, the doctor may suggest basic exercises such as routine walking with protective brace and stretching exercises. The patient will also be advised to avoid hyperextension activities.
