Back pain is a problem that many people in our country are facing right now, isn't it? Sometimes this pain is so severe that it travels down the legs, it makes you feel numb, and you can't even do your daily tasks properly. Have you had this experience? If your condition has not improved despite taking medication and undergoing physiotherapy, your doctor may have told you about a surgery called 'Spinal Fusion'. Hearing this name can be a little scary. But don't worry, today we will talk about this simply and in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is Spinal Fusion?
Simply put, this is a surgery that joins together, or rather 'fuses', two or more of the small bones called vertebrae in your backbone. Think of our spine as a tower made up of rings of bone stacked on top of each other. This tower is what keeps our bodies upright. Due to certain diseases, the joints between these vertebrae can become weak, worn out, or out of place. Then the spinal cord or nerves that run through them can start to get compressed.
Spinal fusion surgery stabilizes the spine by fusing the weakened, problematic vertebrae together. This prevents the vertebrae from moving around. This can help reduce symptoms such as nerve pain, leg numbness, and muscle weakness .
These surgeries are performed by both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. The most appropriate doctor will be determined based on your medical condition.
What conditions require spinal fusion surgery?
Not all back problems require surgery. Most often, a doctor will resort to this type of surgery only if other treatments fail. Here are some of the main conditions treated with this surgery:
- Congenital spinal disorders: Some people may have certain spinal problems at birth.
- Herniated disk: A herniated disk between two vertebrae, causing the disc to bulge out and press on a nerve. This is commonly known as a 'spinal nerve compression'.
- Spinal Infections: Germs enter the spinal cord or surrounding tissues.
- Nerve compression: Pain that travels down the arms or legs due to compression of the nerves in the neck (Cervical Radiculopathy) or lower back (Sciatica).
- Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine. This can occur in both adults and children.
- Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis: Degeneration of the spine with aging and the slipping of one vertebra over another.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord passes.
- Spinal fractures or injuries.
- Tumors of the spine.
How to prepare for surgery?
Once you have decided to have spinal fusion surgery, you need to prepare well. Following these steps is essential for your safety and the success of the surgery.
- Pre-surgery medical tests: Your doctor will perform blood tests and an ECG to make sure you are fit for surgery. This can help detect conditions like high blood pressure and blood clotting problems early.
- Tell your surgeon about your medications: You should tell your surgeon about everything you are taking, not just the medications your doctor has prescribed, but also vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Some medications (such as blood thinners) may require you to stop taking them a few days before surgery. Follow these instructions carefully.
- Someone to help you after surgery: You will not be allowed to lift heavy objects, drive, or bend over for a while after surgery. Therefore, it is essential to have someone at home to help you.
- Talking about anesthesia: The anesthesia team will meet with you to discuss the anesthesia options for your surgery and the best option for you.
- Quit smoking and nicotine: This is very important! If you smoke cigarettes, beedis, cigars, vape, or chew tobacco, you must stop doing so a few weeks before your surgery. Nicotine is a serious inhibitor of new bone formation and wound healing. The success of this surgery depends on the bone fusing together properly, and smoking can ruin that result.
- Fasting: Your doctor will advise you on how many hours you should abstain from eating and drinking before surgery.
How the surgery is done and after
Before you are taken to the operating theatre on the day of your surgery, a nurse will check your details and insert an IV line into your arm to give you saline. The surgical team will then take you to the operating theatre and administer anesthesia.
During surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the back, abdomen, or side of the body to reach the affected vertebrae. Some surgeries are performed using the 'open' method, while others are performed using the 'minimally invasive' method, which involves making small incisions.
Next, a bone graft is placed between the two vertebrae. This piece of bone can come from somewhere else in your body (such as your hip bone), from a deceased donor, or it can be made artificially. Over time, your body will build new bone over the bone graft, fusing the two vertebrae together as one solid piece of bone. Sometimes metal screws, plates, or rods are used to strengthen this fusing.
After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room. When you regain consciousness, you will be given medication to control the pain. You may notice that you have several small tubes attached to your body. Don't worry, they will be removed in a day or two. Depending on your condition, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
What are the benefits and risks?
Like any surgery, spinal fusion surgery has its benefits and risks. Your doctor will explain these to you in detail.
| Benefits | Risks / Complications |
|---|---|
| Reduced back and leg pain. | Risks that may arise with any surgery: infection, excessive bleeding, problems with anesthesia. |
| Loss of tingling and weakness in the limbs. | Risks specific to the surgical site: Pain or muscle weakness due to nerve damage. |
| Improved quality of life and the ability to perform daily tasks with ease. | Although very rare, serious conditions such as paralysis can occur. |
| Spinal stabilization. | Because the fused vertebrae do not move, the flexibility of the spine is somewhat reduced. |
Most importantly, the best way to minimize these risks is to have the surgery performed by an experienced surgeon and to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
Recovery time and things to be aware of
Recovery is a gradual process. You can start doing normal household chores within a few weeks after surgery. However , lifting, bending, and twisting are completely off-limits for several months.
You will be asked to start physiotherapy a few weeks after surgery. This will help strengthen the muscles around your back and get you back to an active lifestyle. It can take up to 6 months to a year to fully recover and see the full results of your surgery.
When to see a doctor immediately
If you experience any of the following symptoms after surgery, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
| Symptom category | Features to look out for |
|---|---|
| Signs of Infection |
|
| Signs of a Nerve Problem |
Can I live a normal life after surgery?
Most people can. However, the flexibility of the spine may be a little less than before. This is normal. But this surgery will help you live a pain-free, comfortable life. Your doctor will tell you what you can expect based on your condition.
Take-Home Message
- Spinal fusion is a serious surgery, usually recommended when other treatments have failed.
- Good preparation for surgery, especially complete cessation of smoking , is essential for the success of the surgery.
- Recovery is a gradual process. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully (especially regarding lifting and bending).
- If you develop symptoms of an infection or nerve problem, seek medical advice without delay .
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න