what is a spinal disc fusion and how long is recovery?

Answer 1

There are two main types of spinal fusion, which may be used in conjunction with each other:

Posterolateral fusion places the bone graft between the transverse processes in the back of the spine. These vertebrae are then fixed in place with screws and/or wire through the pedicles of each vertebrae attaching to a metal rod on each side of the vertebrae.

Interbody fusion places the bone graft between the vertebrae in the area usually occupied by the intervertebral disc. In preparation for the spinal fusion, the disc is removed entirely. The fusion then occurs between the endplates of the vertebrae. This procedure may be done through the abdomen (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion or ALIF) or through the back (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion or PLIF). Using both types of fusion is known as 360-degree fusion.

In most cases, the fusion is augmented by a process called fixation, meaning the placement of metallic screws, rods or plates to stabilize the vertebra prior to bone fusion. The fusion process typically takes 3-6 months after surgery. During in this time external bracing (orthotics) may be required. External factors such as smoking, osteoporosis, certain medications, and heavy activity can prolong or even prevent the fusion process.

Some newer technologies are being introduced which avoid fusion and preserve spinal motion. Such procedures, such as artificial disc replacement, are being offered as alternatives to fusion, but have not yet been adopted on a widespread basis in the US

I guess the recovery really depends on your age, physical condition pre operation and also your weight.

Physiotherapy is a must.

My dad (67 and slightly over weight) had it 2 years ago and it took him 4 months to fully recover. He wore a brace for almost 8 months. He still has back pain from time to time.

Answer 2

Exactly what it sounds like....It is when the discs of your back (in an area) are fused together. Fusion is a conventional surgical technique in which one or more of the vertebrae of the spine are joined together ("fused") so that motion no longer occurs between them. In most instances, bone grafts from another area of the body, along with plates and screws, are placed around the spine during surgery. The body then heals the grafts over several months - similar to healing a fracture - which joins the vertebrae together. This surgery is often recommended for people with Degenerative Disc Disease and Spondylolisthesis (cracks in your vertabrae). Unfortunately, for the patient who has a fusion:

- about 25% of all grafts do not take and it is necessary for another fusion to be performed Minimally Invasive Alternatives

- less than 50% of conventional surgeries, including fusions, do not alleviate the pain and symptoms

- recuperation is long and painful

- fusions may cause other spine conditions down the road

When you fuse an area of the spine you lose mobility in that particular region

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It should take about 4-6 weeks for recoup and some physical therapy. But remember, the surgery is no guarantee that the pain is going to go away, sometimes it can be worse.

Answer 3

usually when discs are fused together it is when they use pins or plates or rods or some kind of braket made of titaniam. Mostly it puts them together for many reasons. It limits mobility around that area depending on how many discs are fused. It does give the spinal more stregth becasue alot of time after healing the bone some time actually conect to each other. Most of the time the rods or what ever hard wear they use are left in for added stregth, some times not always depends on how the person heals. As for the recovery time with mosr surgery the healing time is 6 - 8 weeks but when it comes to the spine, depending on the damage on the spine before surgery and how much they had to do during the surgery and every person heal differantly. I have seen people have as long as 6 months or more healing time. When it comes to the spine there are so many factors to take in to account.

Answer 4

I had a ankle fusion on July 3rd. of this year. I am in a large medical walking boot. When I mean large it goes up to my knee. I was in a cast, several, until yesterday.
I will wear the boot til I can walk alone without it. It has been painful but the rewards are worth it. The surgery I felt nothing before, during and after for several weeks. Pain med helped that. My arthritis is gone but that is not why I had the surgery. I can only wish you the best. Should you choose a fusion keep me posted on how you are doing. Recovery time for an ankle to heal is 1 year.

Answer 5

I had a disc fusion March 2014. The hard wear broke, they removed the hard wear February 2015. Again it broke, I m in so much pain. I don t want to have another surgery. Will this hurt me to keep it in broke?