An operation for back pain? Let's talk about spinal fusion.

Back pain is a problem that many people in our country are facing right now, isn't it? Sometimes, no matter how much medicine you take and physiotherapy you do, the pain doesn't go away. Sometimes, back pain can be accompanied by things like numbness and tingling in the legs. It's in cases like these that your doctor will talk about an operation. A special surgery performed for such back problems is called 'Spinal Fusion'. Hearing this name may sound a little scary, but let's talk about it simply and see what it is, why it is done, and how it happens.

Simply put, what is spinal fusion?

Imagine that your spine is made up of a stack of tiny bones stacked on top of each other. We call these in medical terms 'vertebrae' . It's like a tower of Lego bricks. These vertebrae are connected to each other, which is what allows us to stand up straight, bend over, and turn around.

Spinal fusion surgery involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to form a single, solid bone. The word "fusion" means "to join together." That's what happens here. When the vertebrae are fused together in this way, the unnecessary movement between them is eliminated. This gives your spine better strength and stability, and it also releases pinched nerves, reducing pain and numbness.

There are doctors who specialize in performing this surgery. Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons can perform this surgery. The decision about who will perform this surgery will depend on your medical condition.

What diseases can be cured with this operation?

Now you may be thinking, "Do I need this?" Actually, this surgery is not something that is done for every back problem. A doctor will only do this if other treatments have not worked, or if the bones in the spine have lost their stability, causing pressure on the spinal cord, which is like the main wiring system that carries messages through our body, or the nerves that come out of it.

Simply put, if your symptoms such as back pain, numbness in your limbs, and weakness are due to instability in your spine, this surgery may be the best solution.

Let's take a look at the table below to see what conditions this surgery is commonly recommended for.

How do you prepare before the operation?

Once your doctor has decided that this surgery is the best option for you, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you are fit for surgery. All of this is done for your safety.

What happens on the day of the operation?

When you go to the hospital on the day of the operation, everything happens very systematically.

During pre-surgery preparation...

Before you are taken from the ward to the operating theatre, you will be kept in a preparation area for a while. Here, a nurse will come and review your details, medical history, and medications. The anesthesiologist will come and talk to you. The surgeon will come and confirm that you are willing to have the surgery (consent form) and mark the area where the surgery will be performed. A small tube (IV line) will be inserted into a vein in your arm, which will give you the necessary medications and fluids during the surgery.

Inside the operation theater...

Then you will be taken to the operating room. There, you will be fitted with monitors that will measure things like your heart rate and blood pressure. You will be surprised to see how many doctors and nurses there are! There are people who help the surgeon, an anesthesiologist, and several nurses. Before the surgery begins, the entire team will come together and do a safety check to make sure your details are correct. Only then will you be anesthetized and the surgery will begin.

What happens during the surgery?

The type of surgery may vary depending on the location and nature of your back problem.

• Direction of approach: The doctor may approach your spine from the back (posterior), front (anterior), or side (lateral). Sometimes, a combination of these approaches may be used.
• Type of incision: Sometimes a larger incision is made in the traditional way (open surgery). But now, most surgeries are performed using a camera and instruments inserted through several small holes (minimally invasive surgery). Your doctor will explain in advance which method is best for you.
• Materials used: The two vertebrae are connected by a bone graft. This bone can come from somewhere else in your body (such as your hip bone) or from a bone bank (such as a deceased donor). Sometimes synthetic bone is used. In addition, metal devices such as screws, plates, or rods are used to strengthen the connection. If you have a metal allergy, tell your doctor in advance.

Once all of this is done, the doctor will close the incision with stitches. Some stitches dissolve, while others need to be removed after a few weeks. You will be given instructions about this.

What happens after the operation?

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room. There, as you gradually regain consciousness, you will be given medication to control the pain. Only after your condition has stabilized will you be transferred to the ward.

Depending on the nature of the surgery, you may be able to go home in a day or two, or you may have to stay in the hospital for a few days.

After a few weeks, your doctor will recommend that you begin physical therapy to strengthen your back and the muscles around it.

What are the benefits of this surgery?

The main benefit of this surgery is that your quality of life improves. Long-standing back pain, numbness in the limbs, and weakness are significantly reduced. Once the pain subsides, you can resume your favorite activities and hobbies. Many people who have had this surgery are happy with the results.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Like any surgery, this one has some risks.

• Infections
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Problems related to anesthesia
• Delays in wound healing

Additionally, because this is a back surgery, performed very close to the spinal cord and nerves, there are some specific risks that can occur, although very rarely.

• Pain or numbness caused by nerve damage
• Muscle weakness
• Serious conditions such as paralysis (this is very rare)
• Because the vertebrae are connected, there is some reduction in the flexibility of the spine.

How long does it take to heal? And when should I see a doctor?

Full recovery is a gradual process. Within a few weeks, you will be able to do most of your daily activities. You will be able to start light exercise. Depending on your occupation, it may take a few weeks to a few months to return to work. However, it may take months, or even a year, to see the full results of the surgery.

You will be given an appointment to see your doctor. Be sure to go to those appointments. In addition, if you develop any of the symptoms listed below, notify your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

Some questions you may also have

Is this a serious operation?

Yes, spinal fusion is considered a major surgery. That's why doctors try things like medication and physical therapy first. But that doesn't mean it's something to avoid. For many people, it can be the best solution to persistent back pain and related problems.

Can I live a normal life after surgery?

Most people can. But some people may have to live with some limitations. The main thing is that when the vertebrae are fused together, the bending of that part of the spine is lost. Even if your symptoms disappear, it is normal to expect some change in the movement of your spine. Your doctor will explain to you in detail what to expect after your surgery.

How painful is this surgery?

You will not feel any pain during the surgery because you will be under anesthesia. However, it is normal to have some pain during the recovery period after surgery. Your medical team will give you medication to help control the pain. Talk to your doctor about what kind of pain you should expect and what you should report if you experience any pain.

How long do the results of this operation last?

This can vary from person to person. Many people have good results for years . However, due to changes in other parts of the spine over time, some people may need to have surgery again.