When the bones start to degrade more than our body forms due to aging, the spine is the commonly affected area. It could also get injured due to trauma like automobile accidents and falling from a height. Sometimes, the injury to the spine is so serious that two or more vertebrae need to be fused together. Such a procedure requires the use of orthopedic devices like spinal implants, and to get quality ones, find reliable Orthopedic Device Manufacturers.
In this post, we will discuss spinal fusion along with the conditions for which the surgery is performed. It is performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons having trained in this specialization.
What is Spinal Fusion?
As the name suggests, spinal fusion is when two or more vertebrae present in our spine are fused to create an immovable joint. It is a surgical process that is performed under anesthesia by experienced surgeons.
During the surgical procedure, a bone graft or bone-like material is placed between the vertebrae to fill the gap. Besides this, orthopedic implants like metal plates, bone screws, and rods may also be applied to hold vertebrae together so that they can heal into a single unit. This type of surgery can be performed to fix various conditions. But before we move on to those conditions, let us see different types of spinal fusion surgeries.
What Are the Different Types of Spinal Fusion Surgeries?
Different types of spinal fusion procedures performed depending upon the condition include:
Posterolateral Gutter Fusion
Performed through the back, in this type of spinal fusion surgery, the bone graft is placed in the posterolateral part of the spine.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
In this technique, the surgeon removes the disc from the two vertebrae and places a bone graft instead in the space created by the removal of the disc. This procedure is also performed from the back.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
This spinal fusion technique is similar to posterior lumbar interbody fusion, the only difference here is that anterior lumbar interbody fusion is performed through the abdomen and PLIF is done from the lower back.
Anterior/Posterior Spinal Fusion
This type of spinal fusion is generally performed where very high spinal instability is there, or in the case of revision surgery. This procedure is carried out from both front and back.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery is performed for the stabilization of the spinal vertebra and the disc. TLIF is also performed through the back of the spine. Orthopedic devices are applied to improve fusion rates.
Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)
This spinal fusion procedure is different from all as, in this technique, the surgeon accesses the spine from the sides. This technique is preferred for the treatment of specific lumbar spinal disorders like spinal deformity, spondylolisthesis, and lumbar degenerative disc disease.
In Which Cases Spinal Fusion Surgery is Performed?
Symptoms of many spinal conditions can be relieved by performing spinal fusion surgery. This surgery may reduce the flexibility of the spine, but it is helpful in treating painful spinal disorders. Some of the conditions for which spinal fusion may be performed include:
Herniated disc
Spinal stenosis
Tumors
Degenerative disc disease
Kyphosis
Scoliosis
Spinal instability
Spondylolisthesis
What Are the Risk Factors Associated with the Condition?
All types of surgeries have some associated minor or major risks. Thus, spinal fusion surgery may also pose certain risks:
Infection
Improper healing of the wound
Blood clotting
Bleeding
Damage to nerves or blood vessels present around the spine
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