Spine Stabilization Surgery

When Do You Need Spine Stabilization Surgery?

There are various scenarios where spine stabilization surgery may be considered. This is particularly necessary when other minimally invasive methods of treatment have failed to respond well enough. Here are the most common reasons for undergoing a spinal fusion:

• Degenerative disc disease: It is a condition characterized by the breakdown of intervertebral discs in the spine, leading to symptoms such as back or neck pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. 
• Spinal stenosis: As the spinal canal narrows down, it puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord, causing numbness and pain. These symptoms can be alleviated using the stabilization technique.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when a vertebra slips forward over another, leading to pain and stability.
• Scoliosis and other spinal deformities: Stabilization can be used to address abnormal curvatures of the spine that cause pain and dysfunction.
• Fractures or spinal cord injuries: Stabilization or fusion can also be used to restore alignment and stability after the spine has undergone severe trauma.  
• Tumors and infections: Spinal tumors can disturb the structure and the integrity of the spine, leading to the need for the removal of the tumor via surgery. Infections in the spine may also require surgery to remove the infected material while stabilizing the spine.
• Chronic low back pain: When chronic low back pain is a result of spinal instability or some specific anatomical problem, again fusion surgery may be recommended to deal with the issue.

Before spine stabilization surgery is recommended, doctors carry out a comprehensive evaluation through imaging tests like CT and MRI scans and diagnose the case. Surgery is usually done after the failure of conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, and medications.

Spine Stabilization Surgery: Risks / Benefits

Spine stabilization surgery is an important procedure that solves various spine problems. It comes with its potential risks and benefits that should be understood well before undergoing the procedure. 

Risks:

• Infection at the incision site
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Damage to the nerves
• Loosening of the hardware (screws, rods), requiring another surgery
• A failure of the graft in fully fusing with the vertebrae
• Persisting pain and instability
• Adjacent segment disease, a condition where the fusion increases stress on the vertebrae below and above the fused segment, causing pain and degeneration over time.

Benefits:

• Significant relief from pain
• Stabilized spine and improved spine function
• Improved alignment, especially when treating scoliosis or spondylolisthesis
• Prevention of further damage to the vertebral column and surrounding structures
• Enhanced quality of life
• Ability to engage in regular activities with more comfort