Spinal Fusion

Spine Surgery Specialists Serving Orange County

What is Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the bones (vertebrae) of the back (spine). The spine is stabilized by fusing together two or more vertebrae, using bone grafts and metal rods and screws.

A number of problems can be treated with spinal fusion, such as:

• Injuries to spinal vertebrae
• Abnormal curvatures of the spine such as scoliosis or kyphosis
• Weak or unstable spine caused by infections or tumors
• Protrusion and degeneration of the cushioning disk between vertebrae (e.g. herniated disc or "slipped disc")

Spinal fusion surgery is designed to eliminate motion between vertebral segments, which can be a significant source of pain. The surgery also stops progress of spinal deformity, such as scoliosis. Most spinal fusions involve only small segments of the spine and do not significantly limit motion.

About the Spinal Fusion Surgery Process

There are many approaches to spinal fusion surgery; all involve adding bone graft to an area of the spine to set up a biological response that causes graft to grow between the vertebrae, creating a fusion and thereby stopping the motion at that segment. Generally, small pieces of bone are placed into the space between the vertebrae to be fused. Sometimes larger solid pieces are used to provide immediate structural support. The bone is either supplied by the patient (autogenous bone) or harvested from other individuals (allograft bone). After bone grafting, the vertebrae are held immobile with metal rods and screws in order to allow fusion to progress.

Obtaining a successful result from a spine fusion requires an accurate preoperative diagnosis, a technologically adept surgeon, and a patient with a reasonably healthy lifestyle who is motivated to pursue rehabilitation and restoration of their function.

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we are dedicated to returning you to an active and pain-free life. Call (949) 705-6493 to learn more.

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for your Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Hoag Orthopedic Institute's operating rooms are state-of-the-art and the nurses, surgical technicians, physical therapists, educators are orthopedic certified and/or specialized, and you will find highly regarded orthopedic surgeons who specialize in surgery of the spine.