Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal Fusion Surgery, What is Spinal Fusion Surgery? When does a patient need spinal fusion surgery? Is spinal fusion surgery dangerous? These are just some of the many questions that will be answered in detail in the following article, which discusses spinal fusion surgery. Would you like to regain your daily activity without back pain? Learn how to treat back problems through our article that provides complete information about spinal fusion surgery.

Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery in the back is one of the necessary medical procedures in various medical conditions that can affect the spine. The treating physician determines the degree of fusion and evaluates the condition of the vertebrae before deciding to proceed with the surgery. Plates and medical screws are used to stabilize the vertebrae during this surgery.

When does a patient need to undergo spinal fusion surgery?

Spinal fusion surgery is one of the precise surgeries performed on the vertebrae of the spine. It primarily works to merge the damaged vertebrae and reduce friction between them, allowing the patient to start feeling improvement and regain the ability to move the back normally again.

Patients who are most in need of spinal fusion surgery include those suffering from the following conditions:

• Disc herniation.
• Fractures in the back vertebrae.
• Cancer in the spinal column bone.
• Exposure to an accident or sports injuries in the back.
• Presence of curvature in the spine (scoliosis).

Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery

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Spinal fusion surgery with plates and screws, or spinal fusion surgery, works to provide the necessary stability to the spine after it has been injured, causing pain and lack of proper control.

Through spinal fusion surgery (posterior spinal fusion), two or more vertebrae of the spine are merged. Orthopedic doctors may resort to fusion surgery between vertebrae in case of back injury, whether due to an accident, spinal tumors, presence of osteoporosis, and others.

Preparation Before Spinal Fusion Surgery

Preparing the patient before the surgery is considered one of the most crucial steps to enhance the success rate of the surgery and ensure the patient’s safety post-operation. The preparation for the spinal fusion surgery is as follows:

1. Conducting necessary medical procedures, including examinations, analyses, and X-rays, for a more precise diagnosis of the injury and a better understanding of the patient’s condition.
2. Complete cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption for at least two weeks or more before the surgery.
3. Discussing the medications you are currently taking with the doctor.
4. The doctor often prescribes anti-inflammatory medications for the patient to take before the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
5. The patient will undergo general anesthesia for the spinal fusion surgery, thus, the doctor will ask them to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure.

How Spinal Fusion Surgery is Performed

Spinal fusion surgery is conducted with great precision and is considered a highly meticulous medical procedure for the back vertebrae. It involves merging two or more vertebrae to provide stability to the spine and treat instability associated with spinal column injuries. The procedure can be performed through the following steps:

1. The patient will undergo general anesthesia.
2. The patient remains under observation through connected devices to measure blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs during the surgery.
3. A part of the bone, known as the bone graft, is used in spinal fusion surgery, commonly taken from the patient’s pelvis.
4. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin at the affected area to merge the affected vertebrae.
5. The merging of the vertebrae is done using the bone graft, along with medical screws and plates to ensure proper fixation and prevent any movement of the vertebrae post-surgery.
6. After the procedure, the surgeon will thoroughly sterilize the open wound and stitch it with dissolvable sutures, followed by applying an external dressing, which is removed after several days.
7. The patient is then taken to the recovery room to ensure their safety and monitor their vital signs.
8. 

Post-Surgery Recovery Procedures for Spinal Fusion

Several essential steps are taken after spinal fusion surgery to expedite the patient’s healing process, achieve quicker recovery, and avoid serious complications. The post-operative steps are as follows:

1. The patient remains under observation in the hospital for 4 to 5 days to monitor their neurological responses post-surgery and anesthesia.
2. The patient starts taking prescribed medications regularly, usually pain relievers and blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots.
3. A suitable dietary plan is followed, including specific types of easily digestible food while avoiding solid foods.
4. The patient begins walking on the second or third day post-surgery under medical supervision to prevent any harm.
5. The patient may start their rehabilitation program about a week after the surgery, incorporating exercises to enhance muscle flexibility and expedite recovery.
6. Medical aids such as back braces may be used to support spinal stability until the wound heals.
7. The patient may need several months post-surgery to fully recover and return to their daily activities.

Physical Therapy after Spinal Fusion Surgery

Physical therapy after spinal fusion surgery aids in providing greater flexibility to the spinal column movement, improving the condition of the surrounding muscles, and thus reducing the existing pressure on the back. This facilitates the wound healing process and enhances recovery, enabling the patient to return to their normal daily activities.

Physical therapy for a patient after spinal fusion surgery includes specific types of exercises that help in improving the condition of the vertebrae and work to prevent the recurrence of injury. Get ready to relieve back pain and prepare for an active life with the specialized spinal fusion surgery provided by Dr. Amr Amal in his clinics.

Exercises after Spinal Fusion Surgery

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There are stages for the physical exercises that the patient undergoes after spinal fusion surgery. The first stage begins in the hospital and includes walking short distances, starting ankle bending, lifting the heel up, and also tightening the buttocks muscles. The second stage of physical exercises after spinal fusion surgery includes:

Thigh Stretching Exercise The patient lies on the ground, places their hands under the thigh, and straightens the knee until they start to feel a stretch in the thigh muscles. Lower Back Vertebrae Stretching Exercise This is one of the simple exercises that can be done a few weeks after the surgery. The patient sits on a chair, spreads their knees as far apart as possible, and leans forward while keeping their hands behind their back.

After the spinal fusion surgery, the patient should avoid violent sports, excessive effort, and also lifting heavy objects during the recovery period, which ranges from 6 to 8 months after the surgery.

What is the Success Rate of Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Despite the complexity and precision of spinal fusion surgery, the success rates of this type of surgery are high, ranging from 95% to 100%. This is due to the modern techniques that doctors have begun to use for performing the surgery, diagnosing before performing it, and also paying attention to the rehabilitation period afterwards.

There are some steps given by the doctor to the patient after the surgery, and adhering to them precisely reduces the chances of infection, inflammation, or any other complications from the surgery. It also helps in achieving a quick recovery and healing for the person within a period that may reach 12 to 24 months.

How Long Does Spinal Fusion Surgery Take?

Spinal surgeries, especially those that require an open wound like spinal fusion surgery, require a longer duration than other surgeries in the operating room. Spinal fusion surgery takes between two to three hours to complete, and the patient needs to be present in the hospital well in advance to undergo the pre-surgical procedures.

Healing Period after Spinal Fusion Surgery

After undergoing spinal fusion surgery, a patient requires between 4 to 6 months to recover, and in some cases, it may take up to 12 months. During this period, it is advised that the patient avoids activities that require high effort or lifting objects weighing more than 3 kilograms. The patient should also regularly follow their prescribed physical therapy program.

Problems after Spinal Fusion Surgery?

The downsides of spinal fusion surgery mainly occur in the immediate postoperative period, as the patient experiences pain due to the back incision and may have difficulty walking. However, these symptoms typically subside over time with the proper medication and physical exercises. Nonetheless, some complications may increase and cause harm to the patient. The risks of spinal fusion surgery, which occur in rare cases, include:

1. Infection.
2. Fever.
3. Bleeding in the affected area.
4. Severe pain that does not subside with painkillers.
5. Numbness in the arm and hands.
6. Nerve damage (a rare occurrence).

If you wish to learn more details about the side effects and complications of spinal fusion surgery, we recommend reading the following article.

Symptoms of Failed Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery has achieved high success rates and has become one of the available options for doctors in treating various diseases and injuries of the spine, provided that the procedure is suitable for the patient. However, there is still a possibility of failure, which can be predicted by the following symptoms:

1. Numbness in the arm.
2. Severe weakness in the muscles adjacent to the affected area.
3. Piriformis syndrome.
4. Severe pain in the lower part of the back.

Cost of Spinal Fusion Surgery in Egypt

The cost of spinal fusion surgery in Egypt typically ranges from 35,000 to 65,000 Egyptian pounds. These figures are approximate and will be more accurately determined in consultation with the medical team and hospital where the surgery will be performed. Factors influencing the price include the duration of hospital stay, the surgeon’s previous experience, among others. For more details about the cost, we recommend reading this article.

Consult with Dr. Amr Amal, a renowned expert in orthopedics, to receive an accurate diagnosis and safe surgical treatment, such as spinal fusion surgery.

Types of Screws Used in Spinal Fusion

The screws and plates used in medical procedures are made from specific materials that the body accepts as part of itself, and therefore, do not react to them as foreign objects. These materials allow the screws to function naturally in the body without causing harm to the patient. The types of screws used in spinal fusion surgery may include:

1. Titanium screws.
2. Cobalt screws.
3. Screws made from a mixture of nickel, chromium, and iron.

Your doctor will determine the most suitable type of screw for you after assessing your current injury condition and conducting the necessary procedures and diagnosis. These screws must meet international standards and be safe for human use.

Sitting After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Dr. Amr Amal, a consultant orthopedic and joint surgeon at Ain Shams University, informs us that post-operative instructions following spinal fusion surgery are just as important as the surgery itself. Sitting after the operation is one of the positions that must be paid close attention to in order to prevent pain for the patient. The patient must be careful not to sit for long periods or on an uncomfortable chair.

How Should a Spinal Fusion Patient Sleep?

The way a patient sleeps after spinal fusion surgery significantly helps in relieving pressure on the vertebrae, providing a better chance for the patient to heal without experiencing post-operative complications. Dr. Amr Amal advises that the patient should sleep on their back or on one side, using comfortable pillows under the head and legs to avoid putting pressure on the vertebrae. If you would like to learn more about when the patient will be free from pain after the surgery and the correct way to sleep, click here.

When Does the Pain Disappear After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

It is normal for the patient to feel pain at the site of injury following spinal fusion surgery. However, the pain gradually begins to subside and improve. The pain can last for about 4 weeks post-surgery, gradually decreasing from the fourth day post-surgery, provided that the patient adheres to the doctor’s instructions.

Is it Necessary to Wear a Back Brace After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

The answer to this question is “yes”. It is crucial for the patient to use a back brace after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. The back brace helps to stabilize the vertebrae and prevent any changes in their natural alignment during recovery, thereby increasing the chances of a successful surgery. The patient can feel more secure about moving or walking during the recovery period.

When Can You Return to Normal Life After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

The recovery process after spinal fusion surgery lasts between 3 to 6 months. During this period, the patient must avoid strenuous activities or activities that may exert excessive strain. The patient can return to their normal life after the recovery period, but they should consult their treating physician before returning to work to receive clear instructions on what activities to engage in during this time.

Is Walking Beneficial After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Certainly, walking is beneficial after spinal fusion surgery. It helps to strengthen the muscles and alleviate any pain the patient may be experiencing. Additionally, walking strengthens the back vertebrae, aids in the recovery process, and is an essential part of the patient’s rehabilitation program following spinal fusion surgery. “Prepare to return to your daily tasks and sporting activities with specialized therapeutic programs for spinal pain provided by Dr. Amr Amal’s clinics.”

The Best Doctor for Spinal Fusion Surgery in Egypt

Undoubtedly, spinal fusion surgery is a precise and significant procedure that requires a skilled and highly experienced doctor to ensure its success. Therefore, through this article, we recommend to you one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Egypt, Dr. Amro Amal. He is distinguished by his extensive experience specifically in this field, having performed many successful spinal fusion surgeries. Dr. Amro is known for his excellent approach in dealing with his patients, his commitment to providing them with the necessary care and services, and for choosing a treatment plan that greatly suits their condition. He also ensures the use of the latest technologies in treatment.

What Guidelines Should be Followed After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Dear reader, it is important for you to know that there are many significant guidelines that should be followed after undergoing spinal fusion surgery, which aim to provide the maximum possible level of comfort and ensure a highly successful operation. Here are some of the key guidelines:

1. Try not to lift or bend your body, especially in the first six weeks after the surgery.
2. Avoid lifting heavy objects for 6 months.
3. Minimize any strenuous physical activities such as jumping or bending as much as possible.
4. Try to reduce the pressure on your back.
5. Ensure that you lie on your side with a pillow between your knees.
6. Make sure to lie on your back, bending your hips and knees.
7. Do not return to work until after consulting with your doctor.
8. A patient who has undergone spinal fusion surgery should not drive until 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure.
9. Typically, your doctor will ask you to come back for a follow-up 6 – 8 weeks after the surgery.