Fusion Procedures
The Orthopaedic & Spine Institute is one of a select number of hospitals performing highly precise procedures to fuse cervical and lumbar vertebrae by minimally invasive means. Spinal fusion joins two vertebrae together so there is no longer movement between them. The goal is to treat impingement of the nerve/spinal cord (decompression surgery) and spinal instability.
It is usually done along with other surgical procedures of the spine. For example, discectomy or hemilaminectomy is almost always performed first to remove the disc and its fragments. With spinal fusion, surgeons have several different ways of fusing vertebrae together, including:
- Strips of bone graft material may be placed over the back part of the spine.
- Bone graft material may be placed between the vertebrae.
- Special cages may be placed between the vertebrae. These cages are packed with bone graft material.
Surgeons can use anterior (front), posterior (back), and side mini-approaches to fuse the vertebrae, which in turn can greatly reduce muscle dissection, blood loss, and result in faster recovery times.
Advanced bone morphogenic protein is often used to help speed the fusion process, as is a special device called a bone stimulator.
Exciting advances have been made in treating patients who suffer from debilitating lower back and neck pain. In addition to mini-incision procedures, the Institute offers open procedures for those who are not candidates for minimally invasive surgery, as well as leading-edge alternatives such as:
Having a first-class team means we can do more for patients. Call 215-481-BONE today to find a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic spine surgeon.
