Spinal fusion

Alternative names:

anterior spinal fusion; arthrodesis; Harrington rod insertion; Luque rod insertion; posterior spinal fusion; spinal fusion with instrumentation

Definition:

Surgical treatment of abnormal spine bone (vertebrae), such as abnormal curvatures (scoliosis or kyphosis) or injuries. The surgery stabilizes (fuses) vertebrae together with bone grafts or metal rods. The most common spinal area involved is the lower (lumbar) spine, but upper (cervical) spine involvement can occur.

Description:

While the child is deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made over the spinal area to be treated. The lower spinal vertebrae are repaired through an incision directly over the spine (posterior lumbar approach). The upper spinal vertebrae are repaired through an incision in the front or side of the neck (anterior cervical spine). The middle spinal vertebrae are repaired through an incision made in the chest and abdomen (anterior thoracic spine). The abnormal or injured vertebrae are repaired and stabilized with bone grafts, metal rods, or both.

Indications:

Spinal fusion may be recommended for:

• abnormal curvature of the spine: (scoliosis or kyphosis)
• injury to the spinal vertebrae
• protrusion of the cushioning disc between vertebrae (slipped disc, herniated nucleus pulposus)
• weak or unstable spine caused by infections or tumors