This surgery is done through the back of the neck. A bone
graft is placed on the back surface of the problem vertebrae. During the healing
process, the vertebrae grow together, creating a solid piece of bone. This
type of fusion is used in the cervical spine for fractures and dislocations.
It is also used to correct deformities in the neck.
The goal of spinal fusion is to stop the motion caused by
segmental instability. This reduces the mechanical neck pain caused from too
much motion in the spinal segment.
You may also hear the term anterior fusion. This procedure
is commonly used to treat neck problems. The surgeon works from the front
(anterior) of the neck. A bone graft is placed between two vertebral bodies
(interbody area) to replace the disc that normally sits between them. During
the healing process, the vertebrae grow together, creating a solid piece of
bone. Learn more about the use of bone graft.
Instrumented Posterior Cervical Fusion
A graft that is held tightly in place has a better chance
of fusing the vertebrae together. To improve fusion, doctors commonly use
metal plates, screws, and rods. These implants are referred to as instrumentation.
Many different types of metal implants are used with the intent of maximizing
healing of the fusion.
Bone heals best when it is held still-without motion between
the pieces trying to heal. The healing of a fusion is no different than healing
a fractured bone, such as a broken arm. However, the neck is one part of the
body that is difficult to hold still, even with a brace worn around the outside
of the neck. Wearing a brace for several months after the surgery can be uncomfortable.
When instrumentation is used to improve the success of a posterior
fusion, metal rods or plates are attached to the bone structures in the back
of the spine. Stainless steel or titanium cables can also be used. When doctors
use this type of instrumentation, a brace may only be needed for a short period
of time, or not at all.
