Spinal Fusion Surgery with Plates and Screws

Spinal Fusion Surgery with Plates and Screws, There are many questions that patients with back injuries, specifically regarding spinal fusion surgery using plates and screws, may have. These questions might include how the surgery is performed, when the operation is necessary, the recovery period after the surgery, among others. In the following article, we have strived to provide comprehensive answers to these questions and more.

Spinal Fusion Surgery with Plates and Screws

“Collaborate with a team of experts in spinal fusion surgery using plates and screws to achieve satisfactory results and meticulous planning for your treatment, offered by Dr. Amro Amal.”

Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure that primarily works to stabilize movement in the vertebrae, which can cause pressure on them, as well as on the surrounding nerves and muscles, consequently causing discomfort and difficulty in normal movement.

Spinal fusion is a medical procedure that requires an open wound so that the doctor can stabilize the damaged vertebrae using a bone graft and specific types of plates and screws. This helps provide comfort to the patient without causing any disability or health problems in the back vertebrae. For more details about the best doctor to perform the plate and screw installation surgery and the total cost of the procedure, we recommend reading this article.

Are you looking for comprehensive and reliable information about spinal fusion surgery? Look no further; our article provides you with basic information, practical tips, and everything related to the spinal fusion procedure.

Reasons for Spinal Fusion Surgery

A patient may undergo spinal fusion surgery for several reasons, as the surgery helps reduce back pain resulting from pressure on the vertebrae and nerves. The most common reasons for undergoing spinal fusion surgery include:

1. Scoliosis, which is a curvature and twisting of the spine.
2. Slippage of the spine, a condition where the vertebrae slip forward, putting pressure on the spinal cord, resulting in pain in the lower back, legs, and buttocks.
3. General weakness in the back muscles.
4. Spinal tumors.
5. Degenerative disc disease, which occurs when the intervertebral discs wear down, losing their function.
6. Spinal stenosis.
7. Spinal fractures caused by direct trauma to the vertebrae or due to degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis, resulting in deformation and instability of the spine.

Preparations for Spinal Fusion Surgery Using Plates and Screws

The patient must undergo some important procedures before the treating physician approves the spinal fusion surgery. This is to ensure the health condition of the patient and the suitability of this medical procedure for them, as well as to understand the expected success rates after the spinal fusion.

The preparation for the spinal fusion surgery includes several consecutive steps, which are as follows:

1. The physician conducts a clinical examination of the patient first.
2. The patient undergoes blood tests, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
3. Performing a computed tomography (CT) scan is one of the most important steps as it helps in accurately understanding the condition of the vertebrae and nerves.
4. The patient usually stops taking certain medications such as blood thinners or specific types of dietary supplements, as determined by the treating physician.
5. The patient should take other medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, as prescribed by the doctor before the surgery to ensure complete body safety.
6. The patient must stop smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages, as they pose a significant harm before the surgery.
7. On the day of the surgery, the patient must refrain from eating for about 8 hours before the surgery.
8. The patient should also avoid drinking water or any other beverages for about two to three hours before the procedure.

“Receive comprehensive and effective treatment for spinal injuries and acute injuries with advanced plates and screws surgeries at Dr. Amr Amal’s clinics.”

Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery is mostly performed on the lumbar vertebrae, specifically the fourth and fifth vertebrae, as they bear a significant part of the body’s weight, especially in athletes. This surgery is a traditional operation that requires an open wound, and plates and screws suitable for the body are used during the procedure.

The treating physician performs lumbar spine fusion surgery through the following steps:

1. The anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia to the patient to ensure they do not feel any pain, especially since the surgery takes several hours.
2. An incision is made in the affected area, which can be done either from the back (posterior approach) or through one of the sides.
3. A graft, usually from the pelvic bones, is used to fuse the vertebrae together, thereby stabilizing them.
4. The surgeon then fuses the targeted back vertebrae using the bone graft, plates, and screws that are compatible with human use.
5. The surgeon ensures the safety of the muscles and nerves adjacent to the fused vertebrae.
6. Finally, the surgeon sterilizes the wound, stitches it up, and applies external medical dressings.

In this procedure, the doctor uses bone grafts, which are pieces of bone taken from different parts of the body to fuse the bones together. These grafts can be obtained from:

1. A bone bank.
2. The use of synthetic bones.
3. From the patient’s own pelvic bones by cutting above them and taking a small piece.

The bone grafts are placed between the vertebrae, on the back part of the spine, or in special cages between the vertebrae, which are then filled with bone graft material. Afterward, the doctor fixes the plates and screws to prevent the vertebrae from moving until the bone grafts fully fuse with the vertebrae, forming a single bone.

After completing the procedure, the patient returns to the recovery room, where they stay until the effects of anesthesia wear off. The patient’s vital signs are monitored during this period to ensure the success of the surgery. The patient is then transferred to their hospital room and stays in the hospital for about a week post-operation.

After Spinal Fusion Surgery

The period following spinal fusion surgery is considered one of the most crucial times where the patient must be aware of and follow the instructions given by the treating physician. The patient must remain in the hospital for several days, up to a week after the surgery. During this time, movement should be minimal, and the patient is not allowed to engage in any strenuous activity, will receive pain relievers, and must follow the physical therapist’s instructions on safe ways to walk, stand, and sit. The patient may also need to wear a back brace.

Recovery Duration After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Recovery begins from 3 to 6 months, and for some patients who have undergone spinal fusion with plates and screws, recovery could take up to a full year. This depends on their specific health condition and age. During the recovery period, the patient starts physical therapy to restore the spine’s ability to move, become more flexible, and, of course, strengthen the back muscles.

Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery Tips

Dr. Amr Amal, a consultant in orthopedic and joint surgery at Ain Shams University, provides some tips to help speed up the recovery period without complications. The advice is as follows:

• The patient should avoid any physical strain or strong activity in the first few weeks after the surgery.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects in general or those weighing more than 4 kilograms.
• Use supportive tools, such as a back belt, which helps support the vertebrae while sitting, standing, and walking.
• Avoid driving for two to four weeks after the surgery.
• Change body position every 30 minutes while sitting.
• If the patient is physically active, they should avoid strenuous sports for a month to a month and a half after the surgery.
• Ensure that back bending is limited to prevent damage to the stabilized vertebrae until the wound heals properly.
• Focus on eating non-solid foods and drinking plenty of fluids during the first week after surgery.
• The patient can start walking gradually on the second day after surgery to help improve blood circulation and muscle condition.
• Follow the doctor’s instructions on how to care for the wound after the surgery and communicate directly with the doctor in case of symptoms such as redness, swelling, wound opening, pain, fever, or discharge of blood, pus, or any other fluids from the wound.
• It is essential for the patient to have regular follow-ups with the specialist during the recovery period and report any unusual symptoms or continuous severe pain.
• Commit to physical therapy sessions, which start 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery and last about 3 months or more, depending on the patient’s condition. These exercises help strengthen the weak back muscles, maintain the health of the spine, and prevent injury or recurrence of pain.

Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery Success Rate

“Prepare to regain the strength and function of your bones thanks to the spinal fusion surgeries using plates and screws provided by Dr. Amr Amal’s clinic, with advanced techniques and under the supervision of a specialized medical team.”

The significant scientific advancement in back surgeries, especially spinal fusion, has led to an increase in the success rate of surgery, ranging from 95% to 99% of cases. Patients who undergo the procedure recover their normal activity and are less likely to get injured again.

How long does the spinal fusion surgery take?

The spinal fusion surgery requires several hours in the operating room, ranging from 2 to 3 continuous hours, and the patient is under the influence of general anesthesia because this surgery requires an open incision and the patient’s immobility is required to complete the fusion of the vertebrae.

Is the hardware removed from the bones after spinal fusion?

Indeed, the screws and plates in the spinal fusion surgery work to stabilize the bones in their places until they heal properly. They are designed to last for a lifetime, but the doctor may recommend their removal in certain cases, including:

Infection. Failure of the vertebrae to fuse. Pain resulting from a broken screw.

The process of removing the screws from the bones takes place under general anesthesia and can take from one to three hours. The doctor reopens the initial incision, removes the scar tissue formed over the screws, and then removes the plates and screws, replacing them if the fusion of the vertebrae is incomplete.

Is spinal fusion surgery dangerous?

There is a small risk associated with spinal fusion surgery, and the treating doctor makes the necessary preparations before the surgery to reduce the potential harm to the patient in general, whether it be infection, bleeding in the affected area, or blood clots.

If you would like to learn more about the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery, click here.

Symptoms of Spinal Fusion Failure

Spinal fusion surgery has achieved high success rates, especially with the use of modern techniques such as laparoscopy. However, there is still a chance of failure, and certain symptoms may appear, including:

Numbness in the arms. Muscle weakness. Severe pain in the vertebrae similar to a herniated disc. Instability in vertebral movement. Cost of Spinal Fusion Surgery

The cost of spinal fusion surgery can range from 35,000 to 65,000 Egyptian pounds, depending on various factors including the location of the surgery, the duration of the hospital stay after the surgery, and others.

Don’t let pain hinder your life! Dr. Amr Amal specializes in orthopedic surgery and is dedicated to improving your quality of life.

When can I sit after spinal fusion surgery?

Lying on your back is the best position for a patient after surgery, especially in the first week. Afterwards, you can start sitting on a relatively comfortable and non-rigid seat, making sure to alternate between sitting and walking to avoid excessive pressure on the back vertebrae, which could cause pain. For more information on spinal fusion surgery, sitting, and walking afterwards, we recommend reading the following article.

How to Sleep After Spinal Fusion Surgery

The way a patient sleeps after spinal fusion surgery is crucial for giving the vertebrae a chance to rest and assume a natural position without pressure. To sleep correctly, the patient should lie on their back or on one side, using medical pillows behind the head and knees to reduce the load on the vertebrae during sleep. For more information regarding spinal fusion surgery and how to sleep afterwards, we recommend reading this article.