Risks and Benefits of Undergoing Spinal Fusion Surgery

1. Risks and Benefits of Undergoing Spinal Fusion Surgery SPINAL FUSION It is a surgical procedure that is used to treat the problems related to small bones of the spine (vertebrae). The basic idea of this process is to wrath together the painful vertebrae so that they heal into one solid bone. Spine surgery is generally recommended only when the source of pain is identified. For this, you will undergo certain examinations or imaging tests such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and X-Rays. Spine Surgery in India is provided by highly qualified doctors using latest technology and treatment methods. India has outweighed many western countries when it comes to the quality of the treatment and the cost-effectiveness.

2. SPINAL FUSION IS DONE TO RELIEVE YOU FROM SYMPTOMS OF VARIOUS BACK CONDITIONS SUCH AS: Fracture Infection Degenerative disk disease Scoliosis Tumour Spondylolisthesis Spinal stenosis MORE ABOUT SPINAL FUSION Spinal fusion eradicates motion between vertebrae. Also, it prevents the stretching of the nerves and the ligaments and muscles surrounding it. This is an option when the source of pain is motion, like movement that takes place in a part of the spine is arthritic. The concept here is that if the painful vertebrae do not move, they should not hurt. If you have leg pain in addition to back pain, your surgeon may also perform a decompression (laminectomy). This procedure involves removing bone and diseased tissues that can put pressure on spinal nerves. Fusion takes away some flexibility of the spine. Most spinal fusions involve only a small section of the spine and do not limit motion very much. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SPINAL FUSION As with any other surgery, spinal fusion has few risks associated with it. You should discuss these with your doctor before undergoing surgery. The primary risks associated are: Bleeding (this is not typically necessary, but a certain amount of bleeding is expected) Infection (you will be given antibiotics regularly: before, during, and often after surgery so that the risks of infection are reduced) Blood clots (this is an uncommon complication; blood clots can be formed in the legs. This can be harmful if they break off and travel to the lungs) Pain at the site from which the bone graft is taken (a small percentage of patients experience obstinate pain at the bone graft site) Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine Pseudarthrosis (a condition where there is not enough bone formation. In case this condition occurs, a second surgery may be required in order to obtain a solid fusion. Patients who smoke are more likely to develop a pseudarthrosis)             

3. Following your doctor’s instruction is of vital importance while recovering from the surgery. These complications are more likely to occur during the initial few weeks post-surgery. PRIMARY BENEFITS OF SPINAL FUSION Quicker return to a healthy lifestyle Shorter hospitalisation period Reduced cost per surgery Patient’s satisfaction Less need for post-operative pain medication Fewer complications in the surgery Fewer requirements of anaesthesia The benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks associated. RECOVERY PERIOD You will feel some pain after the surgery. This is a usual part of healing process. Your doctors will work to reduce your pain which will help in fast recovery. Usually, medications are prescribed for a brief period so that you are relieved from the pain after the surgery. During your healing time, the fused spine must be kept in proper alignment. Concluding, you will have to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow your doctor’s instructions after the surgery to prevent any complications and for a fast recovery.           