Why spinal fusion surgery

This allows for bone production so the vertebrae can heal and become a single solid segment of bone. The vertebrae need to be held together, usually using plates, screws and rods to keep that segment of the spine immobile.

Often times, spinal fusion surgery is performed following other spinal surgeries that address different spinal problems:. This procedure is performed when someone has a herniated disc —meaning all or part of the jelly-like material between the vertebrae has been forced through a weak part of the spine.

In this procedure, surgeons create more space for the nerves inside the spinal canal. They do this by removing the bone covering the spinal column as well as overgrown ligaments that are pushing on spinal nerves.

They also might remove bone spurs, disc fragments, or other arthritic tissue. The goal is to take pressure off of the nerves and relieve pain. At Penn Medicine, a laminectomy may be performed at the same time as spinal fusion, as determined by the surgeon. The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to stabilize parts of the spine. This treatment can lead to a better quality of life for certain patients who experience chronic back pain. It might take several months before your bones fully fuse.

Your surgeon will prepare the bone graft that will be used to fuse the two vertebrae. If your own bone is being used, your surgeon will make a cut above the pelvic bone and remove a small section of it. The bone graft may also be a synthetic bone or an allograft, which is a bone from a bone bank. Depending on where the bone will be fused, your surgeon will make an incision for placement of the bone. The bone graft will be placed between the affected vertebrae to join them.

Sometimes, the graft material is inserted between the vertebrae in special cages. Some techniques place the graft over the back part of the spine.

Once the bone graft is in place, your surgeon may use plates, screws, and rods to keep the spine from moving. This is called internal fixation. The added stability provided by the plates, screws, and rods helps the spine to heal faster and with a higher rate of success.

This generally lasts three to four days. Initially, your doctor will want to observe you for reactions to the anesthesia and surgery. You may need to learn new techniques to walk, sit, and stand safely.

You also may not be able to resume a normal diet of solid food for a few days. After you leave the hospital you may need to wear a brace to keep your spine in proper alignment. You might not be able to resume your normal activities until your body has fused the bone into place. Fusing may take up to six weeks or longer. Your doctor may recommend physical rehabilitation to help you strengthen your back and learn ways to move safely.

Full recovery from spinal fusion will take three to six months. The most serious complications are blood clots and infection, which are most likely to occur during the first weeks following surgery.

Contact your doctor or seek emergency help if you experience any of these symptoms of a blood clot:. Contact your physician or seek emergency help if you experience any of the following symptoms of infection:. Spinal fusion is typically an effective treatment for certain spinal conditions.

The healing process may take several months. Your symptoms and comfort level will gradually improve as you gain strength and confidence in your movements. And while the procedure might not relieve all of your chronic back pain, you should have a general reduction in pain. However, since the procedure changes how the spine works by immobilizing one portion of it, the areas above and below the fusion are at an increased risk for wear and tear.

This may increase the rate at which those areas of your spine degenerate — so you may need additional spinal surgery in the future.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Spinal fusion care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Spinal fusion is surgery to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Fusion from back of neck Open pop-up dialog box Close. Fusion from back of neck When spinal fusion is performed from the back of the neck posterior cervical fusion , rods and screws are used to hold the vertebrae together.

Fusion from front of neck Open pop-up dialog box Close. Fusion from front of neck In some cases, surgery on your neck cervical vertebrae occurs from the front anterior side of your neck. Fusion options for lower back Open pop-up dialog box Close. Fusion options for lower back Depending on whether your surgeon approaches your spine from the front anterior spinal fusion or from the back posterior spinal fusion , the vertebrae will be fastened together either with a metal plate or with rods and screws.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Spinal fusion. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed Dec. Chou R. Subacute and chronic low-back pain: Surgical treatment. Brunicardi FC, et al. Spine: Basic concepts. In: Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. New York, N. Spine Surgery. Rochester, Minn. McMahon SB, et al.