Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion has been used for many years to help with symptoms of severe back pain resulting from a range of wear and tear conditions affecting the lower back.

Over that time the techniques used have been greatly improved and refined, especially over recent years. Modern fusion procedures, of which there are several, are far less invasive and much more reliable than was the case just ten years ago.

Spinal fusion is the joining together of vertebrae in the spine with bone so that they effectively become one bone. It can be applied to two vertebrae, for example the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae (an L4/5 fusion) or to the lowest vertebrae and the sacrum (an L5/S1 fusion). Both of these are examples of single level fusions but the techniques can also be performed over two or more levels.

Rationale

Although there have been several advances in spinal surgery centred on the principles of motion preservation, the application of these techniques remains limited. For many problems in the lower back requiring surgery, spinal fusion remains the best option.

Spinal fusion is effective for two reasons. Firstly, the main sources of pain, the worn out disc and facet joints, are removed. Secondly, any painful movement through the damaged part of the spine is completely eliminated.

At The Spine Clinic Mr Boeree may suggest one of three different spinal fusion techniques. Each of the techniques uses special instrumentation, such as specially designed cages, screws and rods, to correct any mal-alignment of the vertebrae and hold them still while the fusion develops. There are particular reasons and advantages for each, which we can explore. The techniques are:

1. Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
2. Stand-Alone Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
3. Combined Anterior and Posterior Fusion

Hybrid Techniques

Sometimes there may be moderate wear and tear changes above the part of the spine that requires a fusion. These changes may not be bad enough to warrant a fusion in themselves, but may be troublesome and vulnerable to the extra stress above a fusion. In this situation it may be appropriate to combine the fusion with dynamic stabilization at this level. These hybrid techniques allow different problems at different levels to be dealt with appropriately.

 

 

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