Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Lumbar Spinal Fusion is a surgery in which screws and cages are inserted to hold the spine in the body.
Vertebrae are the small bones of the spine that are connected together.
In spinal fusion, extra bone is used to fill the space that normally exists between two separate vertebrae.
When the bone heals, there is no more space between them. Spinal fusion is also known by the following titles:
- arthrodesis
- Anterior spinal fusion
- Posterior spinal fusion
- Intravertebral fusion
Spinal fusion uses:
Spinal fusion is performed to treat or relieve the symptoms of many spinal problems.
This method eliminates the mobility between the two treated vertebrae.
This surgery may reduce flexibility, but is useful for treating spinal disorders that make movement painful.
These disorders include:
Tumors
Spinal stenosis
Herniated discs
Degenerative disc disease
Vertebral fractures that may destabilize your spine.
Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
Kyphosis (abnormal rounding of the upper spine)
Weakness or instability of the spine due to severe arthritis, tumors, or infections
Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips on the one below it, causing severe pain)
