If your physician has recommended spinal fusion, potential complications from the surgery might be in the forefront of your mind.

This is understandable, given the invasiveness of this type of operation. While some risks are inherent and there’s little you can do to eliminate them, others are more easily controlled by your actions. This article will cover some of the ways you can protect yourself from many of the complications that are associated with spinal fusion operations. We’ll also explore a minimally invasive alternative to a traditional spinal fusion that may present less risk of complications.

Protect Yourself from Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Some patients who undergo spinal fusion operations experience failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), which is marked by the worsening or continuation of symptoms following surgery. FBSS has many causes, some of which can be reasonably prevented. To reduce your risk of developing FBSS, you can:

– Consult multiple physicians. It’s always a good idea to get a second or third opinion when you’re advised to undergo an extreme type of treatment such as spinal fusion. Some patients are surprised (albeit relieved) to learn that a conservative, nonsurgical treatment regimen could eliminate their need for surgery. With so many conservative treatment options available, there’s a chance the diagnosing physician may have overlooked a conservative option that could adequately relieve your pain and discomfort, which is why a second opinion is always a good idea.

– Take nonsurgical treatment seriously. When you’re experiencing significant neck or back pain, it’s easy to wish that you could undergo an operation and be done with it. It’s important for you to keep in mind that only a minority of patients will require surgical treatment for spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, low-grade spondylolisthesis, and other degenerative spinal conditions. Finding the optimal nonsurgical treatment regimen may require a bit of trial and error, and it’s crucial that you remain patient throughout the process. There’s a decent chance that one of these treatments will prove successful and that you won’t need to undergo an operation after all.

Explore Minimally Invasive Alternatives

One of the most effective ways to avoid spinal fusion complications like FBSS is to refrain from undergoing a traditional fusion operation. If conservative treatments have proven ineffective and you truly do require surgery, you may want to ask your physician if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive stabilization (MIS) as an alternative to traditional spinal fusion.

MIS is performed through a very small incision that is typically less than one inch long. The surgeon accesses the spine by inserting a series of increasingly larger tubes, which gently moves musculature and other soft tissues aside. A camera (endoscope) and small surgical tools are fed through the tube, and the surgeon begins the process of removing the affected intervertebral disc. An implant is inserted in place of the disc, and tiny hardware is used to connect the implant and the adjacent vertebrae. Bone graft material is then introduced, which will eventually fuse the two vertebrae together. MIS is performed on an outpatient basis, which means patients are exposed to fewer hospital germs and face a reduced risk of infection. They’re also at a lower risk of developing FBSS, largely because the procedure doesn’t necessitate the dissection of any musculature.

To learn more and find out if you’re a candidate for MIS, speak with your physician.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures that lower the risk for many spinal fusion complications.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in procedures that lower the risk for many common spinal fusion complications. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/fbss/spinal_fusion_failure/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures that lower the risk for many spinal fusion complications.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal fusion complications