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Health Library Spinal Fusion (Arthrodesis)From Healthwise

Home > Health Information from A-Z > Health Library > Health Topics > Brain and Nerves

Spinal Fusion (Arthrodesis)

Surgery Overview

Spinal fusion is surgery to join, or fuse, two or more vertebrae.

Spinal fusion is major surgery, usually lasting several hours. There are different methods of spinal fusion.

  • Bone is taken from the pelvic bone or from a bone bank. The bone is used to make a bridge between vertebrae that are next to each other. This bone graft helps new bone grow.
  • Metal implants are used to hold the vertebrae together until new bone grows between them.

What To Expect After Surgery

You will need to be watched in the hospital for a few days after surgery.

Bed rest is not usually needed while you recover at home.

Your doctor may recommend that you wear a back brace while you recover.

Rehabilitation can take a long time. It includes walking, riding a stationary bike, swimming, and similar activities.

Why It Is Done

Spinal fusion may be done by itself or along with surgery to remove bone and tissue that are narrowing the spinal canal and squeezing the spinal cord.

It may be done as a follow-up after surgery that was done to treat problems such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, injuries, infection, and tumors.

Spinal fusion was first used to treat fractures or other problems. It is now also used to treat age-related spinal problems and spinal stenosis.1

How Well It Works

Spinal fusion is often needed to keep the spine stable after injury, infection, or a tumor.

But there is not a lot of research about how well it works for other spinal problems. One study showed no clear difference between spinal fusion and intense rehabilitation for treating chronic low back pain.2

As you decide about having spinal fusion, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks. The surgery costs a lot and has serious risks. Although this type of surgery is common, there is no guarantee it will work to relieve your pain.

Click here to view a Decision Point.Spinal Stenosis: Should I Have Surgery?

Risks

The risks of this surgery depend on your age and overall health, what you're having the surgery for, and the type of procedure you have.

Risks include:

  • Pain at the bone graft site.
  • Failure of the fusion, breakage of metal implants, or both.
  • Blood clots that may also lead to pulmonary embolism.
  • Nerve injury.
  • Graft rejection.
  • Infection.

What To Think About

Because there are so many things to consider when spinal fusion is recommended, seek a second opinion before making a decision.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

References

Citations

  1. Deyo RA, et al. (2004). Spinal-fusion surgery—The case for restraint. New England Journal of Medicine, 350(7): 722–726.
  2. Fairbank J, et al. (2005). Randomised controlled trial to compare surgical stabilisation of the lumbar spine with an intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic low back pain: The MRC spine stabilisation trial. BMJ, 330(7502): 1233–1239.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRobert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
Last RevisedMarch 1, 2011

Last Revised: March 1, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine & Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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