Posterior Spinal Fusion

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Posterior spinal fusion is a surgical procedure involving the use of bone graft with or without instrumentation.  It is performed from the back (posterior) side of the spine.  Bone graft stimulates bone to grow together into a solid.  Instrumentation includes rods, plates, and screws that immediately stabilizes the spine.  Fusion and instrumentation may be included with spine surgery to stabilize the spine and treat deformity.  Although instrumentation provides stability quickly, it takes several months for the spine to completely heal and fuse.

What is a bone graft?

Bone graft provides a scaffold for new bone to grow.  Some types of bone graft stimulates bone to grow.  Autograft is the patient's own bone and allograft is donor bone.  There are other types of graft such as synthetic or man made.

What to Expect from Posterior Spinal Fusion

Your physician will discusses your procedure with you, including how the procedure is performed, the type of anesthesia, potential benefits, risks, complications, anticipated length of hospitalization, and what to expect after surgery. Your surgeon may involve an open approach or be performed as a minimally invasive spine surgery.  Minimally invasive procedures involve tiny incisions, shorter operative time, quicker recovery, and smaller scars.

Posterior spinal fusion may be performed on an outpatient basis, which means patients may go home the same day.  Most patients are up and walking the day of or day after surgery.  No two patients are alike, so discuss expectations with your surgeon. If a hospital stay is required, it often short.

It is important to set reasonable goals for recovery from posterior spinal fusion.  It is normal to experience pain after surgery.  You will be tire easily as you heal, so be sure to get more rest than usual, eat a good diet to fuel your recovery, and follow instructions about activity restriction.