What is vertebral arthrodesis?
Vertebral arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that aims to fuse two vertebrae in the spine permanently, so that there is no movement between them. It is usually performed with other spinal interventions, always under general anesthesia.
Why is spinal fusion performed?
It is performed to treat degenerative diseases of the spine, of which the most frequent are:
- Spinal stenosis
- Neck discectomy
- Injury or fracture of the vertebrae.
- Infections or tumors
- Spondylolithesis (a condition that causes a vertebra to slide forward).
- Curvatures in the spine, such as scoliosis or kyphosis
What is spinal fusion?
Arthrodesis consists of fixing two bony pieces in a rigid and irreversible manner, anchoring a joint by using screws, plates and titanium rods. Its objective is to stabilize the spine to relieve local pain. In addition, the decompression of the nerve roots relieves sciatic pain and difficulty walking, typical of stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal. The vertebral arthrodesis technique is subdivided into anterior cervical arthrodesis, posterior cervical arthrodesis and posterior lumbar spine arthrodesis.
Preparation for spinal fusion
During the days prior to the operation, it is recommended:
- Do not smoke
- Do not take drugs that hinder blood clotting.
- Inform the specialist if you have recently drunk a lot of alcohol and of any cold, fever, flu, herpes outbreak, among other diseases you have had.
On the day of surgery, it is advised:
- Do not drink or eat for six to twelve hours before surgery.
- Take the drugs recommended by the specialist
Care after surgery
After the surgery, the patient must stay in the hospital for three or four days. During the stay, the patient is given painkillers and taught how to move, sit and walk properly. He may also be unable to eat for two or three days, so he is fed intravenously. When you return home, you will most likely need a back brace or cast.