Spinal Fusion
Spinal surgery is spine and spinal cord surgery. The spine protects the spinal cord, forms the support point of the body, and allows us to stand, walk and move. The spine, which is the basic pillar of the human body, consists of bone structures called vertebrae or vertebrae. Each vertebra is in relationship with the vertebra before and after it, and strong muscles and connective tissues serve as support for this structure. In this solid structure consisting of muscles, bones and ligaments, the disc located between each vertebra is the formation that allows movement in the human body. The type and degree of movement in the human spine is not the same at each vertebral level. Due to the different degrees of these movements and the structural features of the vertebrae, the spine is divided into three separate sections. These sections; They are called cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae. The neck area is a region with a high degree of movement that allows movement in all directions. The thoracic vertebrae are the hardest part, that is, the least mobile part, as they are responsible for protecting organs such as the lungs and heart, as well as the rib cage. The lumbar vertebrae, where body weight is transferred to the hips and legs, allow us to move forward and backward. Fusion means one or more vertebrae remaining immobile, meaning union and union. The aim of spine fusion surgery is to make the vertebrae immobile and united using bone fragments taken from the human body or artificial bone materials obtained with developing technology. Thus, the vertebrae become whole months after the surgery.
Spinal fracture is the least discussed requirement of fusion surgery. Not every spinal fracture requires surgery. However, in cases where surgery is required for many different reasons, such as compression on the spinal cord, nerve damage, or disruption of the anatomical integrity of the spine, fusion surgery is required to fuse the relevant area.
Fusion is also required in diseases where there is structural deformity of the spine. The "S" shaped spinal structure, called scoliosis, which is more common in children and young adults, is a good example of such diseases.
In diseases called spondylolisthesis, which can roughly be defined as the slipping of one vertebra over the other vertebra, there is a gap between two or more vertebrae. In cases of instability defined as two abnormal movements, fusion surgery may be required. In cases of cervical herniation, fusion may be necessary after the herniated disc is removed. In hernia surgeries performed by entering from the front of the neck, the fusion process is performed by removing the herniated disc material and placing a small bone piece in the disc space.
Recurrent herniated disc, previous spinal cord surgeries, degenerative diseases also called calcification in which the structural integrity of the spinal joints is impaired, mechanical problems of the spine. The surgeon can also make a fusion decision in cases such as spine-spinal diseases, spine tumor surgery, and painful spine diseases where the bone is out of balance and requires removal.
When is Fusion Surgery in the Spine Necessary?
There are various spine diseases that require the surgeon to make a fusion decision. . Fusion is required in cases of spinal fractures, deformities of the spine, painful conditions in which the spine moves excessively, some cervical hernias, and when there is a tumor or infection in the spine.
There are many different surgical approaches. Basically, in surgeries where front, back, side or several approaches are performed, bone is placed between the vertebrae. While the frontal approach to the neck area is used more frequently, the posterior fusion is used more often to the chest or waist area. The surgical approach varies depending on the disease for which fusion surgery will be performed.
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