What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
If a spine's intervertebral discs thin, they may need to be replaced with bone harvested from the pelvis. This is called spinal fusion surgery. Here's more information on the procedure.
Related Articles
Spinal fusion - seriesRuptured Spinal Discs - What Is a Herniated Disc Video - About.comDegenerative Disc Disease - What Is Degenerative Disc Disease - Intervertebral Discs Video - About.comLumbar Disc ReplacementCervical Surgery - Procedure for Cervical Surgery - Anterior Cervical Discectomy Video - About.com
Transcript: What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
The Function of the Intervertebral Discs
The intervertebral discs make up one-fourth of your spinal column and act as the spine's shock absorbing system, protecting the vertebrae, spinal cord, and other structures. However, sometimes these discs degenerate and thin, causing the vertebrae they support to get closer together and pinch the nerves that exit between them.What Is Spinal Fusion?
In severe cases, these discs are removed and replaced with bone harvested from the pelvis. This is called spinal fusion.Removing Damaged Discs
Many doctors choose to approach the diseased discs from the front by first retracting the intestines and other organs to reveal the spinal column. The damaged disc is then removed.Replacing Damaged Discs
Openings slightly wider than the removed disc are drilled into the surrounding vertebrae. Titanium casings, or cages, are filled with the harvested pelvis bone and placed into the holes. Specialized cells called osteocytes within this bone produce new bone and aid in the site's healing. The openings in these cages allow the bone to grow around it. In addition, these casings provide support and structure while the bone is healing.After Spinal Fusion
Repeat x-rays of the spine should be done at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years to ensure that the new bone is healing properly.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.
