Spinal fusion is an operation that fuses one or more vertebrae in the spine, fixing them in place to reduce back pain and prevent any further damage. However, like any operation, spinal fusion has an element of risk and can result in complications. These complications can impact how long it takes to recover from an operation and even result in long-term side effects. In some cases, even life-changing side effects.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about preventing spinal fusion complications and speeding up recovery following spinal surgery. We will also discuss a modern spinal fusion alternative that is growing in popularity due to its many advantages.
What is Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion is a procedure that is typically performed following another type of spinal surgery such as a laminectomy or a discectomy (decompression surgery).
A laminectomy removes part of the vertebrae (the lamina) to create more space in the spinal canal for the nerves and spinal cord to run through. A discectomy removes part of the soft, rubbery tissue that protects the vertebrae (the disc) if it has protruded from its outer casing. Whether you have a discectomy or a laminectomy will depend on the condition you have. Laminectomies are typically recommended for spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis, while discectomies are the usual procedure for herniated discs and degenerative disc disease.
Spinal fusion involves fusing two or more of the vertebrae that have been operated on and are, therefore, weakened. Spinal fusion can use a bone graft or a metal plate that is fixed by screws and rods, or sometimes a combination of the two.
The operation provides stability in the spine and ensures the vertebrae do not move uncontrollably which can result in pain. However, this type of surgery does have downsides in terms of limiting a person’s range of motion in their back, possible deterioration in adjacent areas of the spine, and a lengthy recovery time.
Like all invasive surgeries, spinal fusions do present an element of risk and there is a chance of complications that can impact the success of the operation and lead to long-term side effects.
Possible Spinal Fusion Complications
Spinal fusion presents an element of risk but this should not mean anyone scheduled to have the operation should worry unnecessarily. All operations present a degree of risk, especially those that involve major organs or take place close to the spinal cord. The good news is that modern surgery practices reduce the level of risk considerably, ensuring the likelihood of infections and mistakes are minimized.
Infections are typically the result of a person not following the advice given to them following surgery. Therefore, such an issue is easily avoided. Other complications that are out of the hands of the patient can include vertebrae fractures, nerve damage, blood vessel damage, or the possibility of blood clots developing in the legs.
In some cases, the wound may not heal properly due to a multitude of reasons and a person may experience a prolonged period of bleeding. However, these issues can be rectified by a doctor who can address the wound and provide medication. An almost unavoidable consequence of spinal fusion is pain at the sight of the fusion which could last between several days and a few weeks.
Failed operations are rare but there is a possibility that the vertebrae may not fuse properly and follow-up surgery is required.
Best Practices For Avoiding Complications Following Spinal Fusion
To ensure your spinal fusion surgery goes without a hitch, you should always follow your surgeon’s and doctor’s advice. This includes taking any prescribed medication as instructed, resting sufficiently, and avoiding strenuous activities. Anyone who has recently had spinal fusion surgery should avoid sharp movements such as bending over, twisting, or flexing the spine as this could cause the fusion area to detach or result in a fracture.
To avoid infection a person should refrain from taking baths or going swimming until they are given the green light to do so. Instead, take showers and gently dab the wound with a cloth or sponge. Rigorous exercise and sports should, of course, be avoided, this includes exercises such as weightlifting and any contact sports.
A few days after surgery, you should be able to take regular, low-intensity walks a few times a day. These walks should be limited to around 10 minutes and you should take a break if you begin to feel any pain. It is also advised to avoid sitting for long periods.
You will attend a follow-up appointment with your doctor who will determine how well the wound is healing and will perform a scan such as an x-ray, CT, or MRI scan to check how the fusion site has set. If everything has gone well then your doctor will recommend returning to work and resuming your normal daily routine. It often takes several months for a person to fully heal from spinal fusion surgery but this can differ from person to person.
Is There An Alternative To Spinal Fusion?
A modern alternative to spinal fusion surgery is a mechanical spinal implant device. These innovative mechanisms successfully imitate vertebrae to ensure a person retains a full range of motion in their back. Made from safe and durable materials, these devices are growing in popularity around the world and are favored by many leading medical specialists.
Mechanical spinal devices not only allow a person to retain a full range of motion, unlike spinal fusion, but they also offer quicker recovery time. Furthermore, these devices are less likely to cause damage to adjacent vertebrae, reducing the likelihood of new spinal conditions developing or the previous one returning.
Despite the advantages, it should also be noted that the installation of such a device still requires invasive surgery which can present similar risks as spinal fusion, including infections, nerve damage, and bleeding.
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