Spinal fusion, also known as spondylosyndesis, is a surgical technique used to combine two or more vertebrae. Spinal fusion is done most commonly in the lumbar region of the spine, but it is also used to treat cervical and thoracic problems.

Conditions requiring spinal fusion:

·         Degenerative disc disease

·         Discogenic pain

·         Spinal tumor

·         Vertebral fracture

·         Scoliosis

·         Kyphosis

·         Spondylolisthesis

·         Spondylosis

·         Posterior Rami Syndrome

and other degenerative spinal conditions.

It is believed that pain originates in levels of the spine where the bones are slipped or the discs or joints are damaged and produce pain. This may be due to irritated nerve endings around the disc, bone or joints themselves or due to actual entrapment of the spinal nerves in that region.

A spinal fusion can be achieved in a variety of ways and through several different approaches to the spine. A surgeon will study patient’s X-ray studies and determine whether he or she will require one approach or the other. In most cases, the fusion is augmented by fixation, meaning the placement of metallic screws, rods or plates, or cages to stabilize the vertebra to facilitate bone fusion. The fusion process typically takes 6-12 months after surgery.

Artificial disc replacement may be offered as alternatives to fusion. Minimally invasive techniques have also been introduced to reduce complications and recovery time for lumbar spinal fusion.

The risks of spinal fusion surgery are similar to other spine operations and should be discussed at length by patient and his surgeon.

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