By: Fiza Aamir Butt
Image 1: A fixed spine (spine fusion) with screws X-ray
So, you might be wondering, “What is Spine Fusion?” Is it when your spine crushes together? Oh, when take 2 sapines together and fuse them? Close..but not quite. Spine fusion when surgically, surgeons connect 2 or more vertebrae in our spine together and make sure they don’t move.
Spine fusion is astounding as it aims to connect human bone back to its original shape and healing process. The Process might involve metals, screws and even rods being used to help fix the spine. It does sound daunting, but it’s all done to ensure the healing and optimal function of the spine, and thus the optimal function of one's daily motions.
So, how would a doctor come to the conclusion you might need a spine fusion and why is it needed? One of the reasons could be Deformities of the spine. This could mean having a curved spine or crooked spine, also referred to as (scoliosis).
Another reason would be Spinal weakness or instability. If there is excessive movement or motion amongst 2 vertebrates it can cause it to weaken up, also means it'll lose its ability to remain strong and stable. Spinal fusion surgery would, in this case, utilize screws and other equipment to adjust the positioning of the spine and increase comfort for the individual.
Finally, another reason would be Herniated disk. What the surgery would do is stabilize the spine after the removal of the disk, usually by an injury.
Many would fear, Well, what would happen after my surgery? You might experience swelling, redness, shaking chills, high fever and wound driaganage. This will occur for some weeks but it will eventually leave after some healing. Actually, the beignets riak from spinal fusion is the continued pain, which the surgery might not eliminate. This is why it is also choose the correct spine surgery for the patient, such as the lumbar spine surgery
Lumbar Spine Surgery is a type of surgery in the lumbar spine, or lower back. The aim of a decompression surgery is to relieve pain caused by nerve root pinching in the spine.
Spinal fusion does provide symptom relief, it does not prevent from developing more back pain in the future. It is effective in eliminating the visual spine surve or issues. It might still be unclear where back or neck pain roots from despite spinal surgery being effective in fixing the general anatomy of the spine.
References:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, November 14). Spinal Fusion. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 16, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spinal-fusion/about/pac-20384523.
Peter Ullrich, M. D. (n.d.). Lumbar spine surgery. Spine. Retrieved September 16, 2021, from https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/lumbar-spine-surgery.
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