Restoring Stability to the Spine
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the vertebrae (small bones of the spine). The basic idea is to fuse together two or more painful vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. This eliminates motion between them, which in turn eliminates the pain generated by that motion.
How it Works
Dr. Behrens uses bone grafts—either from your own body (autograft) or a synthetic bone substitute (allograft)—to encourage the vertebrae to fuse. Metal plates, screws, and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together and provide immediate stability while the bone graft heals.
Conditions Treated
Spinal fusion is effective for treating a variety of spinal conditions, including:
- Degenerative Disc Disease: When the cushion between vertebrae wears out.
- Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over another.
- Scoliosis: Curvature of the spine.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal (often combined with decompression).
- Fractures: Broken vertebrae that make the spine unstable.