What is Spinal Fusion?

A spinal fusion is a surgery to weld together two vertebrae. Vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine.

To treat persistent pain and disability caused by:

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal the spinal cord runs through)
• Spinal injury
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebra is out of line with the others)
• Scoliosis (abnormal curve in the spine)
• Weak or unstable spine, usually due to infection or tumors
• Herniated disk

Spinal fusion may be done if the treatments below do not relieve pain and disability:

• Rest
• Pain medicines
• Muscle relaxants
• Physical therapy
• Injection of drugs to relieve pain and swelling
• Massage
• Bracing
• Behavior change therapy

Imaging tests must also show a problem that can be fixed with this procedure.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a spinal fusion, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Incomplete fusion of the bones
• Blood clots
• Hematoma (build-up of blood in the wound)
• Nerve damage causing pain, numbness, tingling, or paralysis
• Impaired bowel and/or bladder function
• Reaction to anesthesia

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Obesity
• Advanced age
• Pre-existing medical condition

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills *...