Spinal Fusion

Posterolateral vs. Interbody Fusion: The Two Main Approaches to Spinal Fusion

Ben Parr — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:16:03 -0700

In general, there are two main approaches to spinal fusion, a surgery designed to stop low back pain caused by painful motion of the vertebrae. One of the main differences between these two approaches is where the bone graft is laid in the spine to form the fusion.

Posterolateral fusion:

Lumbar Spine Fusion for Degenerative Disc Disease

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

A lumbar spine fusion is a type of back surgery designed to treat low back pain from degenerative disc disease. It is called a “spine fusion” because the surgery involves placing small morsels of bone either in the front of the spine (in the disc space) and/or along the back of the spine (in the posterolateral gutter) so that the bone grows together and fuses that section of the spine.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

A spinal fusion surgery is designed to stop the motion at a painful vertebral segment, which in turn should decrease pain generated from the joint. There are many approaches to lumbar spinal fusion surgery, and all involve adding bone graft to an area of the spine to set up a biological response that causes the bone graft to grow between the two vertebral elements and create a fusion, thereby stopping the motion at that segment.

Recovery After XLIF

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:37:02 -0700

As with any type of spinal fusion surgery, the recovery experience for an XLIF procedure varies from patient to patient.

With an XLIF procedure, the following recovery factors are typical:

XLIF Potential Risks and Complications

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:33:17 -0700

The eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) procedure, like any other surgical procedure, has certain potential risks and complications associated with it.

Possible risks and complications associated with the XLIF include but are not limited to:

Description of XLIF Surgery

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:29:27 -0700

View XLIF Video

There are a series of steps performed to complete an XLIF spinal fusion:

When XLIF is Not an Option

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:23:14 -0700

There are a few specific instances where the XLIF procedure could not be performed.

Instances in which a patient could not have an XLIF procedure would include:

When an XLIF Might be Performed

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:09:38 -0700

The XLIF procedure can be used for a variety of lumbar spinal disorders that may be treated with spinal fusion. These conditions may include:

Interbody Fusion - ALIF, PLIF and XLIF

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:04:20 -0700

Traditionally, there are a few ways to fuse the spine. One of these ways is known as interbody fusion. Interbody fusion is fusion of two vertebrae between the vertebral bodies (main trunk of the vertebra) in the anterior column (front part of the spine).

Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:56:50 -0700

The XLIF procedure is what is termed a "minimally invasive" procedure. This means that instead of a traditional, larger single incision, the procedure is performed through one or more small incisions and an instrument known as a retractor is used to spread the tissues so that the surgeon can see the spine. This is made possible by the use of a dilator and retractor system, MaXcess®, developed by NuVasive®, Inc, in San Diego, CA. The system allows the surgeon to reach the spine via lateral access (from the side of the body).

XLIF: Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:41:45 -0700

BMP: Bone Morphogenetic Proteins

mlepore — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:17:55 -0700

BMP proteins that stimulate bone growth naturally in the human body. These proteins that exist in the body can be produced, concentrated and placed in the area of the spine for a spine fusion to take place. More importantly, they can create a fusion without the need for any use of the patient’s own bone.

Bone Graft Substitutes

mlepore — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:15:18 -0700

There are a variety of bone graft substitutes available for use in spine fusion surgery and they are being evaluated in various stages of clinical trials. In general, these types of bone graft are a synthetic or a manipulated type of a naturally occurring product.

Allograft: Cadaver Bone from a Tissue Bank

mlepore — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:11:22 -0700

Allograft is bone harvested by a tissue bank from a cadaver for use in medical procedures. It can be prepared in a number of different forms (such as chips) for use in a spine fusion.

Autograft: The Patient's Own Bone

mlepore — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:09:50 -0700

Autograft (sometimes referred to as autologous bone or autogenous bone graft) is taken from the patient and transferred to the portion of the spine to be fused.

Diagnostic Studies, Patient History, and Physical Exams for Spinal Fusion

Ben Parr — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:03:28 -0800

There are three essential aspects to understanding whether one is a good candidate for spinal fusion to treat their low back pain:

Additional Spinal Fusion Surgery Factors and Considerations

Ben Parr — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:29:44 -0800

In addition to the spinal fusion approach used, there are a number of other factors to be considered before spine fusion surgery. The following discusses several other considerations.

Spondylolisthesis Spinal Fusion Surgery: Postoperative Care

Ben Parr — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:24:06 -0800

After a spinal fusion surgery for spondylolisthesis, the patient will be hospitalized for one to five days. Early ambulation is encouraged as walking helps limit the chances of postoperative complications, such as deep venous thrombosis or pneumonia. It is also very gentle on the spine and can enhance healing.

Types of Spinal Fusion Approaches for Spondylolisthesis

Ben Parr — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:24:03 -0800

There are multiple approaches when it comes to spinal fusion for spondylolisthesis. Doctors often approach the spine using a posterior approach (from the back), or an anterior approach (from the front).

Spinal Fusion is a Patient's Decision

Ben Parr — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:14:32 -0800

The decision to have a spine fusion procedure done to treat low back pain is a very personal one, and it is entirely the patient’s decision. Degenerative disc disease is for the most part a non-crippling, non-progressive type of back condition and does not lead to neurological deficits or result in a progressive crippling condition.

More Spinal Fusion Info:

Cervical Spinal Fusion

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Goals of Posterior Motion Preservation Devices

Ben Parr — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:13:53 -0800

It is thought by some physicians that the clinical requirements of an ideal posterior motion preservation device include:

A minimally invasive procedure
Preservation or re-establishment of normal motion of the spine
Avoidance of fatigue failure of the device
Maintenance of normal resting posture of the spine without excessive kyphosis (upper spine curve) or lordosis (lower spine curve)
read more

Synthetic Bone Graft Options

Ben Parr — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:17:20 -0800

Although using a patient’s own bone has traditionally been the gold standard for spinal fusion, science and technology have increased the number of synthetic graft options. Using these graft alternatives can essentially eliminate the potential problems associated with harvesting bone from a donor site, such as post-operative pain, and rates of fusion are quite acceptable using these alternative methods.

There are specific, genetically engineered bone growth proteins (BMPs - bone morphogenic proteins) which stimulate fusion.
read more

Bone Harvest Approaches and Graft Site Morbidity

Ben Parr — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:17:10 -0800

When bone graft is taken from the patient's own body as part of a spinal fusion surgery, it is in essence an additional surgery done at the same time as the spinal fusion surgery.

Evaluating the Potential Risks and Consequences of Artifical Disc Replacement

Ben Parr — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:03:57 -0800

What are the potential complications of the anterior (front) approach used for artificial disc replacement or anterior spinal fusion?

For artificial disc replacement and anterior spinal fusion, the spine is approached from the front, with an incision near the belly button. Complications associated with this approach to the spine include injury to the major blood vessels that bring blood to and from the legs with significant bleeding, injury to the tubes which move urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), and injury to the small or large intestines.

Evaluating the Potential Risks and Consequences of Spinal Fusion

Ben Parr — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:18:33 -0800

The potential complications specific to a spinal fusion procedure depend in part on the surgical technique used. These can include:

Postoperative wound infection is the most common complication, occurring in about 1-5% of cases. The risk of a postoperative infection is higher when metallic fixation is used, and is also higher in diabetic and overweight patients.
read more

After Posterolateral Gutter Fusion Surgery: Risks and Complications

Ben Parr — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:00:20 -0800

After posterolateral gutter spine fusion surgery, the body engages in a natural process to repair itself, which usually means growing bone. As the harvested bone graft grows and adheres to the transverse processes, such as between L4 and L5 (lumbar segment 4 and lumbar segment 5), the spinal fusion is achieved and motion at that segment is stopped. Spine surgery instrumentation (medical devices, such as pedicle screws or cages) is sometimes used as an adjunct to obtain a solid fusion.

Controversies about Spinal Fusion Surgery: Allografts, Autografts, and Fusion Levels

Ben Parr — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:06:48 -0700

While physicians agree on many things about spine fusion surgery, there are some areas that lack consensus. Two such areas are the type of bone used (autograft vs. allograft) and how many levels should be fused.

Multilevel Spinal Fusion: Surgery, Risks, and Recovery

Ben Parr — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:31:47 -0700

Multilevel fusion surgery

Techniques involved in multilevel spinal fusions are similar to those of single-level fusions for degenerative disc disease. The ‘menu’ of potential surgical approaches, bone graft options, and cage and instrumentation possibilities are the same as for one level fusions. This includes posterior approach only, anterior approach only, or a combined anterior and posterior approach surgery, which is more common in multilevel fusions.

Spinal Fusion: A Quick History

Ben Parr — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:10:26 -0700

Fusion surgery for the treatment of lower back pain has been done since the early 1900’s. At that time, spine fusion procedures were done to limit the deformity created by tuberculosis infections, and it was found that not only did the fusion procedure limit the deformity, it also reduced the patient’s low back pain as well.

Anterior Cervical Decompression and Spine Fusion for Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 09:40:19 -0800

Benefits of anterior decompression and spine fusion surgery

In the past, cervical laminectomy (removing the posterior aspects of the spinal canal) to decompress (relieve pressure on) the spinal cord had been the procedure of choice to treat spondylotic myelopathy resulting from cervical arthritis.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

Spinal fusion surgery for back conditions

Spinal fusion (such as a TLIF) is a surgical technique to stabilize the spinal vertebra and the disc or shock absorber between the vertebra. Lumbar fusion surgery is designed to create solid bone between the adjoining vertebra, eliminating any movement between the bones. The goal of the surgery is to reduce pain and nerve irritation.

Elements of a Spine Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

Understanding spine fusion

The most common reason for performing a spinal fusion is low back pain caused by painful motion of the vertebrae. The goal of a spine fusion is to eliminate the motion at a painful motion segment, thus reducing the pain caused by the motion.

Postoperative Care for Decompression/Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

Immediately after the surgery, patients will experience some difficulty swallowing or a sore throat due to manipulation of the esophagus. This usually resolves within several days, but symptoms may persist to a troublesome degree.

The pain associated with the procedure is relatively minimal, as most of the exposure is obtained by dissecting tissue, not dividing it. Pain at the graft site (where bone graft is obtained from the hip) is more of a concern if iliac crest graft is utilized.

TLIF Back Surgery Success Rates and Risks

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

TLIF spinal fusion operation is a salvage procedure. For patients with disabling back pain and leg pain significant benefits can be obtained with a successful spinal fusion.

Bone Graft Options for Spine Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

In spinal fusion surgery, the bone graft is the material that is used to form the bridge between two vertebral segments in the spine to obtain the fusion. Bone grafts can be divided into three main categories based on where they are obtained.

Techniques for Success with Spinal Fusion Surgery - Patients' Advice

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

Patients share tips for success with spinal fusion surgery

In this section, patients share their insights on making spinal fusion surgery a good experience and achieving a successful outcome.

Anterior Cervical Decompression and Spine Fusion Procedure

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

The decompression and spine fusion surgery is performed with the patient in the supine position under general anesthesia. Usual requirements include adequate padding of bony and soft tissue structures. Sequential compression boots are applied to the patient's lower extremities to avoid development of blood clots during the operation.

Most spine surgeons prefer to use Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) or Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) to monitor spinal cord function during the surgery. However, this is not essential.

TLIF Back Surgery Indications and Technique

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

TLIF back surgery indications

Lumbar spine fusion may be recommended for disabling low back and leg symptoms that have not improved with non-surgical forms of treatment.

Conditions such as spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease or recurrent disc herniations are known to produce mechanical pain and may be indications for a spinal fusion. TLIF is designed to eliminate the disc as the source of mechanical back pain.

Spinal Fusion Surgery for Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

In most cases non-surgical treatment is successful in relieving the patient’s pain, but if not surgery can be considered.

Comparing Spinal Fusion With Artificial Disc Replacement

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Michael Janssen, DO

Arrange for Assistance at Home and Work

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Following a spine fusion your ability to do many activities will be limited. This can include normal daily activities and occupational duties. It is best to make arrangements before surgery to have these needs met.

The extent of the assistance you may need depends on many things:

Specific type of fusion surgery to be completed
Your age
Nerve function
read more

At the Hospital (one to two days) After Spine Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Pain medication after spine fusion

Immediately after spine fusion surgery there is a need for pain medication. This is often given in the vein or by “hypo” (injection of medication into the muscle of the arm or leg). Within a couple of days, as the pain decreases, this can be changed to oral medication.

Rehabilitation Following Lumbar Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Staying active speeds recovery from fusion

Patients who have had or are contemplating lumbar fusion surgery are understandably concerned about making sure the fusion heals as intended. For this reason, many patients are afraid to be active and some do not want to move at all, fearing that they will risk having the fusion not set up properly. In actuality, and contrary to this fear, movement is very important to foster healing.

Maximize the Ability to Heal After Spine Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Healing after spine surgery

One of the risks of any spine fusion surgery is a lack of healing of the bone graft, which is known as a pseudarthrosis. There are a number of factors that can affect this outcome after spine fusion surgery. These can include:

Poor nutrition
Osteoporosis
Previous back surgery
Multiple level spine fusion surgery
Severe deformities
read more

One to Three Months Post-Op After a Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

During the initial few months following a spine fusion, it is best to avoid excess motion and stress at the fused segments. It is during this time that the fusion bone mass is becoming established. Certain types of movement to avoid include:

Excess lifting (anything over 10 to 15 pounds)
Bending
Twisting
read more

Prepare for Blood Loss

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Often the amount of blood that is lost is quite small, but excessive bleeding during a spine fusion is always a possibility.

Three Months and After

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

As the fusion matures, it is necessary to begin a reconditioning program. It is well established that people with spinal problems fair best when they get in better shape.

After Discharge (three to six days)

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Following discharge from the hospital, the patient will likely still have pain. This is managed with pain medication. If a narcotic is prescribed, the patient should not drink alcohol or operate a car, because this type of medication may cause drowsiness and/or impaired judgment.

Some surgeons also recommend application of an ice pack to manage postoperative pain. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you and for instructions on how to apply the ice.

Is Lumbar Fusion Surgery a Reliable Procedure?

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Peter Ullrich, MD

Exercise Prior to Spine Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Spine fusions are usually recommended because your ability to do daily activities is restricted.
Despite this, it is important that you remain as active as possible before surgery.
read more

One to Four Weeks After Spine Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

One of the risks of any surgery is infection. This occurs about 1% of the time. Some people, (e.g., diabetics), are more prone to infections.

Wound infections usually present at about 10 days after surgery. Some symptoms to look for include:

Fever (101 degrees or higher)
Expanding redness at the incision site
Increasing pain
Change in the amount, appearance or odor of drainage

If these signs develop it is important to contact your surgeon immediately.

Preoperative Preparation for Spine Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Preparing for spine fusion surgery

Spinal fusion surgery is recommended for different indications, but the goal remains the same—to stop the motion at a painful motion segment. At times the spine fusion surgery is scheduled quickly and there is little time to prepare. More often, however, a spine fusion surgery is elective and there is time to plan.

Postoperative Care for Spinal Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

Spine fusion surgery recovery

More Spinal Fusion Info:

Cervical Spinal Fusion

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Fusion Surgery Recovery

Bone Grafts

Spine Fusion Post-Operative Care

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

Attention to appropriate post-operative treatment is critical in leading to a successful spine fusion outcome. After a spine fusion surgery, it takes approximately three months for the fusion to successfully set up and achieve its initial maturity. During these first three months, it is necessary to avoid activities that may place the bone graft at risk. Therefore, surgeons will usually restrict activities that involve lifting, twisting or bending the lower back, or vigorous activities, such as running and other sports.

Multilevel Spinal Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

Multilevel fusion as a primary treatment for low back pain from degenerated discs is a controversial topic in spine medicine. In certain instances, a two level spinal fusion may be an effective treatment for debilitating back pain from two degenerated lumbar discs. However, lumbar fusion of three or more levels of the low back as a primary treatment for back pain is rarely recommended, and many surgeons recommend against it in all cases of multilevel degenerative disc disease.

Modern Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

Spinal fusion

Lumbar (lower) spine fusion surgery has progressed dramatically over the last ten to fifteen years. The newer spine fusion surgery techniques allow for improved fusion rates, shorter hospital stays, and a more active and rapid recovery period. Additionally, better diagnostic tools and better understanding of indications for a spine fusion are improving outcomes.

Posterior Motion Preservation Spine Surgery: Alternative to Spinal Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

Motion preservation

There are a wide variety of posterior motion preservation devices in various stages of development and clinical investigation.

Spine Fusion Indications

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

A common type of spine fusion surgery is performed for mechanical low back pain. This type of mechanical lower back pain occurs with increased activities and an often times is associated with degenerative changes in the discs (such as degenerative disc disease). At other times it may be due to a low-grade slippage of the spine (such as degenerative spondylolisthesis and isthmic spondylolisthesis).

Spine Fusion Risks and Complications

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

The most common risk of any of the modern spine fusion surgery techniques is the failure to relieve lower back pain symptoms following the surgery. In the best of all situations, this risk occurs in a minimum of 20% of spine fusion surgeries. The likelihood of this result becomes even more frequent with fusions of three or more levels. This outcome is commonly referred to as “failed back surgery syndrome”.

Review of Current Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion Systems

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

The following is a review of three types of minimally invasive systems currently used in the US for performing a spine fusion surgery with pedicle screw fixation.

Interspinous Process Spacers

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

As seen in Figure 1 the spinous processes are located in the very back of the spinal column near the skin surface. In fact, by passing the hand down the center of the low back one is usually able to feel several small prominences. These are the spinous processes.

Modern Spine Fusion Techniques

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

The two primary types of medical devices used in a spinal fusion surgery include pedicle screws and anterior interbody cages or spacers. When it has been determined that a spine fusion is appropriate, the surgical technique utilized may vary.

Theoretical Possibilities With Posterior Motion Preservation

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:07 -0800

Combined technologies

Many patients have multiple problems as their spines progress through various stages of a degenerative process. The disc sometimes becomes painful due to tears within the disc initiating a series of degenerative events, including disc dehydration. This process results in narrowing of the disc space. As the space narrows, it alters the loads on the facet joints, which in turn may become painful or respond by building additional bone around the joint.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery System Considerations

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

The types of systems discussed may be compared in terms of several known advantages and disadvantages that tend to accompany use of these types of minimally invasive spine fusion surgery systems. Each system has a number of unique benefits and limitations.

External Bone Growth Stimulation for Spine Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

Unlike implantable Direct Current (DC) stimulation, external—or noninvasive—bone growth stimulation devices do not require surgical implantation. Rather, they are worn externally, either using:

Small, wafer-thin skin pads/electrodes that are placed directly over the fusion site and deliver Capacitive Coupling (CC) stimulation, or;
One or two treatment coil(s) delivering electromagnetic fields via Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Fields (PEMF’s), or Combined Magnetic Fields (CMF), placed into a brace or directly onto the skin.
read more

Spinal Fusion Alternatives

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

There are a couple of alternatives to spine fusion surgery that may be considered for patients with low back pain from lumbar degenerative disc disease. Currently, the main fusion alternatives include:

New Bone Growth Stimulation Devices for Spine Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

More recently, two other non-invasive technologies—external bone growth stimulators—have been approved for use as an adjunct to improving the success for spinal fusion. Much like the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMFs) device, the capacitive coupling (CC) and combined magnetic field (CMF) devices are worn externally, and are used for up to nine months after the spine fusion surgery.

Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion Systems

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

Spinal fusion technologies

Much of the published minimally invasive spine surgery techniques today describe less invasive methods of performing a spinal fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation. This article will review the major developments in minimally invasive surgery systems for posterolateral fusion and pedicle screw fixation.

Indications for Spinal Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

The biggest risk for spine fusion procedure is continued pain, meaning that the surgery did not substantially reduce or eliminate the patient’s pain. The number one reason this occurs is that the fused disc was improperly identified as the cause of the patient’s pain, so fusing the disc was unnecessary and irrelevant. This is why getting an accurate diagnosis is critical.

Electrical Stimulation for Spinal Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

Introduction to electrical stimulation

The use of electrical stimulation to improve the effectiveness of lumbar spinal fusion has grown significantly over the past decade. As the number of scientific and clinical studies validating the use of electrical stimulation to enhance spine fusion has increased, there is a better understanding among spine surgeons about how and when to use specific electrical stimulation devices.

Obtaining a Solid Spine Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

Once a correct diagnosis has been made and the patient has decided to proceed with spinal fusion surgery, then obtaining a solid fusion is the next focus. Pseudoarthrosis, which means lack of a solid fusion, is becoming a less common outcome of spinal fusion surgery thanks to modern instruments and surgical techniques. However, there are a number of fusion risks that can adversely create this outcome, including the patient’s own health and personal habits (host factors) and the technique of the spine surgeon.

Internal Bone Growth Stimulation for Spine Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

How internal bone growth stimulation works

The internal or surgically implanted bone growth stimulator, utilizing direct current electrical stimulation, requires that the device cathode be placed directly at the spine fusion site and the generator be placed in a soft tissue pocket under the skin. The length of the device generator is as small as a half-dollar coin. Depending on how much soft tissue the patient has and/or how deep the generator (with batter pack) is implanted, most patients cannot feel or palpate the generator while under the skin.

Update on Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

Introduction to minimally invasive fusion

A spine fusion is aimed at alleviating pain that is believed to originate from a motion segment in the spine. For some patients, it may be recommended to have a spine fusion surgery performed in both the front and back of the spine in an effort to provide extra stability for the painful motion segment.

Spinal Fusion References

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

Dwyer AF,Yau AC, Jefcoat KW: Use of direct current in spine fusion. J Bone Surg (Am) 56:442, 1974.
Kahanovitz N, Pashos C: The role of implantable direct current electrical stimulation in the critical pathway for lumbar spinal fusion. J Care Management 6:2-8, 1996.
read more

Conclusions to Bone Growth Stimulation for Spine Fusion

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:06 -0800

Over the last 25 years, bone growth stimulation has been established as a cost-effective adjunct to improve the clinical success rate of spinal fusion surgery. Various studies have clearly demonstrated that the use of bone stimulation as an adjunct to spinal fusion in the “difficult to fuse” population significantly improves success rates.

Artificial Disc Replacement or Spinal Fusion: Which is Better for You?