Spinal Fixation Surgery

Overview

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Spinal fixation surgery is a medical procedure performed to stabilize and join vertebrae in the spine, usually following trauma, spinal deformities, or degenerative conditions like herniated discs, scoliosis, or spinal tumors.

It involves the use of medical implants such as screws, rods, or plates to provide stability and maintain spinal alignment, helping to relieve pain and prevent further deterioration of the spine.

The surgery may involve fusing two or more vertebrae, and it can be done using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Spinal fixation surgery is typically performed to

  • Stabilize spinal fractures
  • Correct spinal deformities
  • Alleviate chronic back pain caused by degenerative spine diseases
  • Address conditions like spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Spinal Fixation Surgery

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How is Spinal Fixation Surgery done?

Pre-Surgical Consultation:
  • Includes imaging studies (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound), blood tests, and a complete medical evaluation.
Medical Evaluation:
  • Complete medical history and physical examination.
  • Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to evaluate the spine's condition.
  • Blood tests and other lab work.
Pre-Surgery Instructions:
  • Discontinuation of certain medications, especially blood thinners.
  • Smoking cessation to promote better healing.
  • Dietary restrictions, such as fasting 8-12 hours before surgery.
  • Preoperative counseling and education on what to expect during and after the surgery.
Physical Preparation:
  • Physical therapy may be prescribed pre-surgery to strengthen the muscles around the spine.
  • Patients may need to adjust their home environment for post-operative care, including support for limited mobility.

Anesthesia:
  • General anesthesia is typically administered to keep the patient asleep and pain-free during surgery.
Incision and Access:
  • Open Surgery: A larger incision is made along the spine to provide clear access to the vertebrae.
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery: Small incisions are used, and specialized instruments (like tubular retractors and cameras) guide the surgeon.
Implantation:
  • Screws and rods are inserted into the affected vertebrae to hold them in place.
  • In some cases, bone grafts may be used to encourage the vertebrae to fuse over time.
Fusion:
  • Since the bladder is removed, a new way to store and eliminate urine is created. Common types of urinary diversion include:
    • Bone grafts (either from the patient or a donor) may be applied to the area to promote the fusion of the vertebrae, gradually forming a single, solid piece of bone.
    Closing the Incision:
    • Once the fixation is complete, the surgeon will close the incision using sutures or staples.
    Recovery:
    • The patient is taken to a recovery room and monitored as they wake up from anesthesia.
    • Hospitalization may last from 1-5 days depending on the complexity of the surgery.

    Though spinal fixation surgery is generally safe, like all surgeries, it carries potential risks:
    • Infection: There is a risk of post-surgical infection at the incision site.
    • Nerve Damage: There is a small risk of nerve injury during surgery, which may lead to numbness or weakness.
    • Hardware Failure: The screws, rods, or plates may shift or break, potentially requiring further surgery.
    • Non-Union: The vertebrae may fail to fuse properly, requiring additional procedures.
    • Blood Loss: Depending on the complexity of the procedure, there may be significant blood loss.
    • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots may form post-surgery, especially in the legs, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs.
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    What are the benefits Spinal Fixation Surgery?
    • Pain Relief: Reduction or elimination of chronic back or neck pain caused by spinal instability.
    • Improved Mobility: Greater spinal stability may lead to improved mobility and function.
    • Prevention of Further Damage: Fixing unstable vertebrae can prevent further degeneration or deformity.
    • Correction of Deformities: Conditions like scoliosis can be corrected, improving posture and physical appearance.
    • Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients often experience significant improvements in their ability to perform daily activities.

    Infrastructure & Facilities

    • Specialized Operating Room: Equipped with advanced imaging technologies like fluoroscopy to guide surgeons during the procedure.
    • ICU Availability: For monitoring complex cases post-surgery, especially those with a higher risk of complications.
    • Rehabilitation Services: Onsite or affiliated physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities to support postoperative recovery.
    • Specialized Surgical Teams: Surgeons with expertise in orthopedics or neurosurgery, specialized nurses, and anesthesiologists.
    • Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: MRI, CT scan, and X-ray machines to assess the spine before and after surgery.
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    Specialty and Expertise

    • Orthopedic Surgeons: Specialize in bone, joint, and spine surgery.
    • Neurosurgeons: Handle more complex cases involving the spinal cord and nerve-related issues.
    • Spinal Specialists: Some surgeons focus exclusively on spinal surgeries, offering highly specialized care.
    • Rehabilitation Specialists: Vital for post-surgical recovery, helping patients regain strength and mobility.

    FAQs

    The surgery typically lasts between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity and number of vertebrae involved.

    Recovery varies but can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Full spinal fusion may take up to a year.

    Yes, physical therapy is crucial for regaining mobility, strength, and flexibility after surgery.

    Yes, spinal fixation is generally considered a permanent solution, though in rare cases, the hardware may need to be removed or replaced.

    Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, pain management, and steroid injections may be considered for less severe cases. However, when instability or severe degeneration is present, surgery may be the only option.

    Many patients return to normal activities after recovering from spinal fixation surgery. However, heavy lifting and high-impact activities might be restricted.

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    Copyright 2025 TRSCH - All Rights Reserve

    Website Design and Development by Sterco Digitex

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