Spinal Fusion Surgery
The human spine is a complex anatomical structure at the posterior (back) of the body. It protects the spinal cord and the spinal nerves and provides structural support to the back. It is composed of vertebrae (multiple spinal bones) with discs in between. The spinal column combines strong vertebral bones, joints, flexible ligaments and tendons, large muscles, and highly sensitive spinal nerves.
Some people have pinched spinal cord or nerves. In such cases, surgery is required to provide relief. A spinal fusion surgery can treat symptoms of spinal conditions that affect the vertebrae or joints or soft tissues that support and link the vertebrae.
At Arete Hospitals Spine Department, top-rated Spinal Surgeons in Hyderabad are available to perform spinal fusion surgery at affordable prices with unparalleled surgical outcomes.
Benefits of Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Improves spine stability, repairs any deformation of the spine, and alleviates back pain
- Relieve pain and discomfort to enhance the quality of the patient’s life
- Minimises or eliminates motion between vertebrae
- Prevents nerves, ligaments, and muscles along the spine, from being stretched
- Relief from symptoms of spinal conditions such as tingling or numbness in the arms or legs.
What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion is a novel therapy procedure developed to treat diseases and problems with the vertebrae, or small bones, in the spine. The surgical procedure involves cutting-edge medical technology to fuse or permanently unite two or more vertebrae. It is done by using extra bone(s) as grafts to bridge the space between the small bones. It can help treat spinal mobility concerns such as pain while moving, backbone stability issues, and a lack of flexibility of the spine.
After a thorough review of the patient's overall health and condition, Spinal Fusion Surgery in Hyderabad is recommended.
Before Spinal Fusion Surgery
Before the surgery is performed, the definite cause of the spine condition of the patient is identified and accordingly the treatment is planned. For this, the Spinal Surgeons in Hyderabad perform a comprehensive diagnostic approach that includes imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.
To ensure the patient is ready for spinal fusion surgery, some of the most likely steps are:
- Pre-operative tests- A thorough medical check-up and lab tests are needed to ensure the patient is in good overall health for the surgery.
- Review of medications- The patient must keep the surgeon informed beforehand about his/her current intake of medications and supplements.
- Support planning- After the surgery, the patient may not be able to manage on their own and would need someone to drive home and take care at home until the post-surgical restrictions are lifted. Such arrangements are made before the surgery.
- Anesthesia planning- The patient will meet an anaesthesiologist who will recommend anesthesia options for the surgery.
- Blood supply planning- Sometimes, spinal fusion surgery involves a lot of blood loss and the patient may need a blood transfusion.
- Use of nicotine/alcohol and recommendations- Smoking cigarettes and alcohol consumption can delay healing.
- Eating and drinking- The surgeon will instruct the patient to not eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours before the surgery.
What does Spinal Fusion Surgery Involve
Experienced Doctors for Spinal Fusion Surgery Treatment in Hyderabad perform this surgery at Arete Hospitals. They have mastered the surgical procedure for spinal fusion and are supported by a carefully selected medical staff. In addition, they have a cutting-edge infrastructure with cutting-edge medical technology and devices to facilitate spinal fusion surgery.
During the spinal fusion surgery, the patient will be put under general anesthesia. Throughout the procedure, blood pressure, heart rate, and other vitals would be regularly checked to ensure safe and successful results.
A bone transplant may be needed to fuse two or more vertebrae. Commonly, bone tissue along with hardware is used to strengthen and reinforce the spinal fusion. The bone graft/tissue would be prepared using a small segment of the pelvic bone (autologous graft), taken from a deceased donor (allograft), or it may be synthetic bone-like material (artificial graft).
At the site of the spine condition to be treated, the spinal surgeon would make a small incision. The surgeon may access the spine from the front (anterior), back (posterior), or a combination of these approach directions. The surgery can be open or minimally invasive.
Through the incision, the surgeon attaches the bone graft to the damaged vertebrae. Alternatively, the bone graft material can be injected directly into the affected area. The bone grafts are secured in place using metal plates, screws, and rods. In certain cases, synthetic materials may be used to optimise bone formation and hasten vertebral fusion.
Once spinal fusion surgery is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, surgical tapes, or surgical glue.
Spinal Fusion Surgery Cost in Hyderabad
Cost of Spinal Fusion Surgery in Hyderabad, India, varies based on factors like the surgeon's expertise, and the type of fusion procedure. It's important to note that medical costs are subject to change over time, and the cost of surgery can vary from one hospital or medical facility to another.
Ideal Candidates for Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery is suitable for:
- People who are suffering from extreme backache as a result of shattered vertebrae, spinal deformity, or a herniated spinal disc
- Individuals with intervertebral disc infections, degenerative disc disease, or spine tumours
- Individuals who have abnormalities and defects in the spine, particularly scoliosis
- People who have spinal weakness or instability may be due to backbone arthritis
- Athletes or other people who have spondylolisthesis
- People who have spinal stenosis- a condition in which the spinal cord and nerves inside are subjected to high pressure, resulting in significant pain and other consequences.
After Spinal Fusion Surgery
Following spinal fusion surgery, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for 2–3 days.
It is possible that healing will take several months. It may take 4-6 weeks for the patient to resume light physical activities of routine. However, around 6 months to a year may be needed for the patient’s back to get completely better.
During recovery, the patient must follow the instructions given by the Best Spine Specialist in Hyderabad. The patient may be asked to wear a back brace for some time to ensure correct spine alignment during healing. Physiotherapy is also recommended to ensure early and smooth vertebral healing and mobility.
The diet and movements of the patient would be as prescribed by the Best Spinal Fusion Specialists / Doctors in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals.
Risks and Complications Associated with Spinal Fusion Surgery
Generally, spinal fusion is a safe surgery. But, just as with any other surgery, it poses some risks and complications. The potential complications include:
- Infection
- Nerve injury (in and around the spine)
- Blood vessel injury in and around the spine, causing blood loss
- Blood clots
- Bowel and bladder difficulties
- Poor healing of surgical wounds
- Pain or discomfort at the site of bone graft
- Problems related to anaesthesia
- Failure of vertebral bone fusion, and return of symptoms, which may necessitate repeated surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it difficult to move after spinal fusion?
Many people are concerned that spinal fusion may limit their movement. Spinal fusion is frequently used to support the spine.
Since spinal fusion is rarely performed along the entire spine, natural movement is preserved in the majority of cases. If an individual has a complicated fusion, their back may be stiffer than usual, but overall physical function may be improved.
2. Is spinal fusion a painful procedure?
Patients will not feel any pain or discomfort during the spinal fusion surgery because it is performed under general anesthesia. However, they will be in discomfort for the first few weeks after surgery, but they will be given pain medication for relief until the pain goes away on its own.
3. How long is the spinal fusion surgery?
The number of vertebrae that must be fused and the severity of the spine condition will determine the length of the spinal fusion procedure. This type of surgery might take anywhere from 2.5 to 7 hours to complete. The actual time of the operation is 1 to 5 hours long.
4. Is it possible to live a normal life after spinal fusion?
Some people can resume their normal lives after spinal fusion surgery, whereas others face limitations or life adjustments. The main explanation for this is that spinal fusion makes a section of the spine less flexible than it was previously. This can alleviate or eliminate some symptoms, but with more severe fusions, a loss of flexibility or mobility is usual and expected.
For more details, get in touch with the experts at Arete Hospitals, Best Spinal Fusion Surgery Hospital in Hyderabad.
