If you’re considering consenting to spinal fusion surgery, you should familiarize yourself with the potential risks of this operation. Doing a little research isn’t intended to scare you off from the operation – far from it. Rather, it should be looked at as an opportunity to better understand what will happen during the operation, providing you peace of mind that you are comfortable with the entire process. Yes, as is the case with any major surgery, there are certain risks that you should be aware of. However, equally important is the effort you make to learn what steps you can take in the days leading up to and following your operation to minimize the likelihood of post-operative problems. Before we can talk about the risks of an operation, it is important to first understand what spinal fusion surgery actually is.

Spinal fusion surgery is an operation that is designed to fuse adjacent vertebrae together, permanently immobilizing the affected segment of the spine, but also providing spinal stability and potentially removing the source of the patient’s pain. In recent years, this procedure has started to be conducted using state-of-the-art endoscopic tools, but more often, when individuals talk about spinal fusion risks, they are discussing the potential pitfalls of the traditional open spine surgery version of the operation.

The reason that there are risks associated with spinal fusion is the nature of the surgery. This operation is major surgery, which usually requires that a sizable incision be made in the back or the neck and the muscles surrounding region of the spinal canal are cut through in order to offer the surgeon the necessary access to the anatomical components in the spine. Many of the risks of the surgery come from this initial cut. For instance, some of the problems that can arise in the days or weeks following surgery include:

– Infection

– Excessive scar tissue formation

– Hemorrhaging

– Blood clotting

– Graft rejection

– And more

What’s more, there is always a risk of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) after spinal fusion, which refers to an instance where the operation fails to deliver the patient the results that they anticipate. This can be caused by everything from graft/host rejection, misdiagnosis, and other human error.

With all of that said, there are always things that you can do to help mitigate these potential risks. For starters, pay close attention to the instructions that your doctor gives you in terms of caring for your incision in the days and weeks following your surgery. Similarly, pay close attention to the list of activities that should be avoided (or encouraged) both before and after surgery, because this can greatly help facilitate the healing process. You don’t want to overdo it, but something as simple as a regimen of light exercise might help your back or neck heal, and remove strain from your spine.

Ultimately, it is up to you to weigh the potential for spinal fusion risks against your pain. However, by knowing what you are potentially up against it can help you manage your expectations and give you important insight in what you can do to help limit the chance for a problem developing.

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 procedures that don’t come with as many spinal fusion risks and other limitations.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in minimally invasive procedures that don’t come with the same spinal fusion risks. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/spinal_orthopedic_procedures/stabilization/

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 procedures that don’t come with as many spinal fusion risks and other limitations.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal fusion risks