Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion surgery comes in many forms: lumbar spinal fusion, cervical spinal fusion, and PLIFs just to name a few. They are all designed to help limit pain caused by the joints, though each surgery is different depending on whether you are trying to treat degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or another condition. Knowing your spinal fusion options can go a long way toward alleviating your back pain.

Medical illustration of a bone graft and cage in the spine

Article

Endoscopic Transforaminal Decompression Interbody Fusion: Step-by-Step

In endoscopic transforaminal decompression interbody fusion (ETDIF), deteriorated disc material is replaced with bone graft and an implant. Learn how this happens step-by-step.

Medical illustration of the lumbar spine with the facet joints highlighted

Article

ETDIF Risks and Complications

The risks involved in ETDIF are similar to other fusion procedures, including pseudarthrosis, inflection, blood clots, and nerve damage.

Posterior view of the lumbar spine for location of fusion.

Article

Evaluating Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion is indicated for the treatment of a large variety of spine problems. A common reason to perform spinal fusion is disc-related back pain, often referred to as degenerative disc disease.

Two vertebrae with the posterior longitudinal ligament labeled.

Article

Evaluating the Potential Risks and Consequences of Spinal Fusion

When deciding whether or not to undergo spinal fusion surgery, it is vital to consider risks and complications associated with the procedure (i.e. bone fusion failure or pseudoarthrosis)

Posterior view of the lumbar spine showing location of bone graft.

Article

External Bone Growth Stimulators for Spine Fusion

External bone growth stimulation devices are worn outside the skin and do not require surgical implantation or extraction.

Posterior view of the lumbar spine with a fusion.

Article

Failed Spinal Fusion Surgery

There are several reasons a spinal fusion may fail to alleviate back pain after surgery, including failure to obtain a solid fusion, implant failure and transfer lesions.

Anterior view of the incision spot for ACDF in the cervical spine.

Article

Hospital Care After ACDF Surgery

A short hospital stay after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery is intended to help patients prepare for recovery at home. Learn what patients can expect during post-operative hospital-based care.

Therapists helping patient walk in a hospital after a surgery

Article

Hospital Care After Spinal Fusion Surgery (2 to 4 Days)

After lumbar spinal fusion has been completed, the patient typically stays at the hospital for a few days.

Article

How an Electrical Bone Growth Stimulator Helps with Spine Fusion

An electrical bone growth stimulator is a supplemental form of therapy for spinal fusion surgery. This article describes how they work and pro's and con's.