Spinal Fusion
BOSS Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic Surgery & Physical Therapy located in Beaufort, Bluffton, Hardeeville, & Hilton Head Island, SC
Spinal Fusion Q & A
What is a Spinal Fusion?
A spinal fusion is surgery to connect adjoining vertebrae. Fusing two vertebrae together prevents painful movement between the bones and restores spinal stability when the bones or discs are damaged.
Following a spinal fusion, you lose movement between the two vertebrae. However, the spinal fusion affects a small segment of your spine, so the procedure has little impact on your ability to move.
Since the fusion relieves your pain, your overall movement improves compared to your pre-surgery condition.
When Would I Need a Spinal Fusion?
The team at Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine initially treats your spine condition with conservative options. For example, you may need anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, structured exercises, or injection therapy.
When you continue to have back or neck pain, and especially if your pain is severe enough to stop you from staying active, you may need a spinal fusion.
They commonly perform a spinal fusion for patients diagnosed with:
- Herniated disc
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal infection
- Spinal fracture
- Spinal tumor
- Degenerative disc disease
Spinal fusion is a primary treatment for scoliosis. For most spine conditions, however, your provider at Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine performs a spinal fusion after first repairing the underlying problem, such as removing a damaged disc or decompressing nerves.
What Happens During a Spinal Fusion?
During a spinal fusion, your Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine provider removes the existing disc and replaces it with a bone graft. Your bone graft could come from your own bones, a donor bank, or a synthetic cage-like structure.
The cage, which is shaped to fit the space of the disc, is made from biocompatible material and filled with proteins that promote bone growth.
After your bone graft is implanted, the two vertebrae grow over the graft and fuse into one strong bone.
Is Spinal Fusion Performed Using Minimally Invasive Surgery?
The expert surgeons at Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine specialize in minimally invasive procedures, including spinal fusion. However, not all spinal fusions can be done using minimally invasive techniques. Your provider talks with you about your options during an initial consultation.
To learn about spinal fusion for chronic back or neck pain, call Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine or use the online booking feature.
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Arthritismore info
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Sports Injuriesmore info
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Tendonitismore info
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Fracture Caremore info
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Arthroscopic Surgerymore info
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Neck & Back Painmore info
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Herniated Discmore info
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Sciaticamore info
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Spinal Fusionmore info
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Spondylolisthesismore info
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Stenosismore info
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Shoulder Replacementmore info
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Rotator Cuff Tearmore info
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Hand & Wrist Injuriesmore info
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Dupuytren's Diseasemore info
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Carpal Tunnelmore info
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CMC Replacementmore info
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Joint Injectionsmore info
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Knee Injuriesmore info
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Meniscus Tearmore info
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ACL Tearmore info
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Physical Therapymore info
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MRImore info
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