Spine fixation, also known as spinal fusion, is a surgical procedure used to stabilize the spine. It involves joining two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts, metal rods, screws, or plates. The goal is to eliminate motion between the vertebrae, which can alleviate pain and prevent further damage. Spine fixation is commonly performed to treat conditions such as spinal instability, degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, infections or certain types of deformities like scoliosis.
When should spine fixation be considered?
Spinal Instability: Conditions such as spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward over another, or spinal tumors can cause instability that may require fusion surgery.
Severe Degenerative Lumabr Disease: When the bony overgwoth and disc bulge is severe that reuqires removal of excessive bone to relieve nerve compression.
Spinal Fractures: Fusion may be necessary to stabilize the spine after a traumatic injury or fracture.
Scoliosis: Severe cases of scoliosis, where the curvature of the spine is significant and causing pain or breathing difficulties, may require fusion surgery to correct the deformity and stabilize the spine.
Failed Previous Surgeries: In cases where other treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms or complications have arisen from previous surgeries, fusion may be considered as a last resort to stabilize the spine.
Infection of the spinal bones: Baterial or tubercular infection (potts spine) can lead to severe destruction of spinal bones, which require stablisaiton with spinal fusion.
What are the downsides of spine fixation?
While spine fixation surgery can be effective in stabilizing the spine and relieving symptoms, it also carries certain risks and potential downsides. Some of these include:
Adjacent Segment Disease: Fusion alters the biomechanics of the spine, potentially increasing stress on adjacent segments. This can accelerate degeneration of those segments, leading to the need for additional surgery in the future. Fusion in young active individuals are the greatest risk for this problem.
Non-Union: Sometimes the bones fail to fuse together properly, leading to a condition known as non-union. This can result in persistent pain and may require additional surgery.
Pseudoarthrosis: This refers to a condition where there is a false joint formed at the fusion site instead of bone fusion. It can also lead to persistent pain and may necessitate further intervention.
Hardware Complications: The metal implants used in spine fixation surgery can sometimes cause complications such as migration, breakage, or irritation of surrounding tissues.
Chronic Pain: While the goal of spine fusion is to alleviate pain, some patients may experience chronic pain or discomfort following surgery due to limitation of movement.
Limited Range of Motion: Fusion restricts movement in the fused segment of the spine, which can impact flexibility and range of motion.
It's important for individuals considering spine fixation surgery to discuss these potential risks and downsides with your neurosurgeon and weigh them against the potential benefits of surgery. Each case is unique, and the decision to undergo spine fusion should be made carefully after thorough consideration of all factors. Surgery is typically considered after conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections have been tried and failed to provide relief.
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