Definition of Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical technique which is used to combine two or three vertebrate. Spinal fusion is also referred as spondylosyndesis or spondylodesis. Spinal fusion is used to purge the pain caused by irregular movement of the vertebrate by halting the vertebrate themselves.
Reasons for Spinal Fusion
One is eligible to undergo Spinal Fusion if any of the following signs and symptoms is visible:
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD): This is a painful condition which can affect the quality of one’s life. DD D is a normal part of aging and it is not observed by common people. However, for certain individuals this can cause stern and invariable chronic pain
- Spinal tumor is also one reason for undergoing spinal fusion surgery
- Arthritis is also one reason for undergoing spinal fusion surgery
Risks involved in Spinal fusion
Every surgery whether major or minor involves some risks. The risks involved with Spinal Fusion surgery include the following:
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Urinary problems is one major risk or side effect generally observed after spinal fusion surgery
- Wound infection if another complication involved in Spinal fusion surgery. However, your surgeon will give you antibiotics to prevent such kind of infection
- In specific cases, post spinal fusion surgery some patients may develop a swollen abdomen and may not be able to eat properly because of such problem. However, your surgeon will take care of this complication by inserting a special tube to relieve this distension.
- Spinal fusion also results in blood clots in the lung. Compression boots are worn on calves during and after surgery to avoid such complication.
- Serious complications of spinal fusion include paralysis and death.
Pre-surgery requirements for Spinal fusion surgery
The pre-surgery requirements of Spinal fusion surgery include the following:
- Consult the risks and benefits of spinal fusion surgery before you finally decide your mind to undergo this surgery
- Eat a proper balanced diet, nutrition rich meals in the weeks prior to surgery
- Quit smoking weeks before the surgery. This helps in quick healing of the wound of the surgical area
- Follow the medical prescriptions provided by your surgeon prior to surgery
Post-surgery requirements of Spinal fusion
The post-surgery requirements of Spinal fusion include the following:
- You will be relocated in an intensive care unit post surgery and will be kept under pain medications to ease away the surgical pain
- You will be assisted by a therapist who will allow you to stand up and walk as tolerated with their help. A personal analgesia pump will be used which will allow you to control your pain medication during hospital stay.
- Avoid smoking after surgery. However, it is better to quit smoking for your own health benefits.
Average hospital stay for Spinal fusion
The average hospital stay for Spinal fusion ranges from 3 to five days. However, if the patient doesn’t read sign of speedy recovery then few more days in the hospital is advisable.
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