Spine Information
Cervical Fusion
Table of Contents
Many neck problems are due to degenerative changes that occur in the
intervertebral discs of the cervical spine and the joints between each
vertebra. Other problems are the result of injury to parts of the spine
or complications of earlier surgeries. The vast majority of patients
who have neck problems will not require any type of surgery. But if
conservative treatments fail to control the pain, your surgeon may
suggest a cervical fusion.
Learn about cervical fusion including
- how the cervical spine is affected
- what types of problems can benefit from cervical fusion
- what differentiates an anterior cervical fusion from a posterior cervical fusion
- what you can expect from this procedure including possible complications
- how rehabilitation can improve your results
In order to understand your symptoms and treatment choices, it is
helpful to start with a basic understanding of the anatomy of the neck.
This includes becoming familiar with the various parts that make up the
cervical spine and how they work together. Learn more about the anatomy
of the cervical spine.
If it becomes apparent that surgery will be needed, there are a
number of surgical procedures designed to treat various neck problems.
A cervical fusion is used
- to stop the motion between two or more vertebrae
- to stabilize unstable fractures of the cervical spine
- to straighten or realign the cervical spine
The goal of a spinal fusion is to allow two or more vertebrae to grow together
or fuse
into one solid bone. If you are suffering from pain in the moving parts
of the spine (mechanical pain), the fusion can stop the excess motion
between the vertebrae and reduce your pain.
If your neck is unstable due to a fracture or dislocation of the
vertebrae, the fusion stabilizes the spine. This is particularly
important when the spinal cord hasn't been injured. By surgically
stabilizing the problem area in the neck, the spinal cord is protected
as the neck heals. Even when the spinal cord has been damaged and the
patient is paralyzed, a spinal fusion can enable the patient to get out
of bed and into a wheelchair sooner. By stabilizing the spine, fusion
allows the patient to begin rehabilitation earlier.
A cervical fusion may also be suggested to straighten the spine or
to control a deformity of the cervical spine such as a cervical
kyphosis. This is a condition where the natural inward curve of the
neck reverses. This deformity occurs when the cervical spine is
unstable and begins to bend forward.
There are two types of cervical fusion procedures, anterior cervical fusion, and posterior cervical fusion.
In the anterior cervical fusion, the operation is done from the
front of the neck. In the posterior cervical fusion, the operation is
done through an incision in the back of the neck. A bone graft is used
to connect the problem vertebrae. During the healing process, the
vertebrae grow together, creating a solid piece of bone. This halts
motion between the problem vertebrae, creating stability in the neck.
Cervical fusion is used to treat cervical fractures, dislocations, and
other pathologies. It is also used to correct deformities in the neck.
The bone graft used for cervical fusion is usually taken from the
pelvis (hip) at the time of surgery. However, some surgeons prefer to
use bone graft from a bone bank. This is bone that is taken from organ
donors and stored under sterile conditions until needed for operations
such as spinal fusion. The bone goes through a rigorous testing
procedure, similar to a blood transfusion, before being used for fusion
surgery.
Like all surgical procedures, operations on the neck may have
complications. Because the surgeon is operating around the spinal cord,
neck operations are always considered extremely delicate and
potentially dangerous. Take time to review the risks associated with
cervical spine surgery with your doctor. Make sure you are comfortable
with both the risks and the benefits of the procedure planned for your
treatment.
A minimum of three months is needed for the bones to fuse together
and become solid. Yet the bone graft will continue to mature for one to
two years. Your doctor may have you wear a rigid neck brace or halo
vest for up to three months after surgery to keep your spine still and
make sure the bones fuse. You may not require a rigid brace after a
simple fusion using instrumentation.
Most patients are able to return home when their medical condition
is stabilized, usually within one week after fusion surgery. Limit your
activities to avoid doing too much too soon. Avoid activities that put
strain on the healing fusion, such as forceful bending or twisting
movements of the neck. Delay activities that require heavy or forceful
use of your arms, such as lifting, until your doctor determines these
activities are safe
Physical Therapy
Your doctor may have you attend physical therapy beginning a minimum
of five weeks after surgery. A well-rounded rehabilitation program
assists in calming pain and inflammation, improving your mobility and
strength, and helping you do your daily activities with greater ease
and ability. Therapy sessions may be scheduled up to three times each
week for six to eight weeks.
The goals of physical therapy are to help you
- learn ways to manage your condition and control symptoms
- improve flexibility and strength
- learn correct posture and body movements to protect the fusion
- return to work safely
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