Kraus Back & Neck Institute: 281.446.3876(281.44.Neuro)

Treatment

Posterior Spinal Fusion

In posterior spinal fusion your neurosurgeon adds bone graft at the back of your spine during surgery to fuse two or more vertebrae together. The word posterior also refers to the surgical approach, where the skin incision is made; the rear or back of the spine.

Posterior cervical laminectomy removes the lamina

Posterior spine

Spinal fusion

Spinal fusion uses bone graft to stimulate bone to heal together-to fuse solid. Bone graft is packed into empty spaces between the vertebral bodies and around instrumentation (if added). As your spine heals, the bone graft stimulates your bone to make new bone and with time, joins bones together.

Bone graft type What it is
Autograft Bone from your body
Allograft Donor bone
Biologics Made from proteins

Purpose of spinal instrumentation

Instrumentation immediately stabilizes the spine. It is a general term that refers to spinal implants.  Spinal implants and devices that may be posteriorly implanted or affixed to the back of the spine include interspinous devices, AxiaLIF, plates, rods, screws, wires, and hooks. Implants are made from materials such as stainless steel or titanium alloy.

Posterior spinal fusion procedures

There are many types of posterior spinal fusion procedures. Several are listed below.

  • Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
  • AxiaLIF
  • Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion
  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Another surgical approach is Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion (DLIF). The procedure involves small skin incision(s) at the side of the spine. DLIF is a less invasive surgical approach that avoids cutting through muscles and soft tissues. During a DLIF approach, your neurosurgeon can access the spine through the psoas muscle (at the side of your low back).

Help make your posterior (or direct lateral) fusion a success

The success of your posterior (or direct lateral) fusion procedure depends on your body’s ability to heal and make new bone.  The neurosurgeon considers your general health, including co-existing disease that may challenge healing. Such disorders include diabetes, endocrine disease, and osteoporosis. He may order specific tests before your surgery.Although you may have a co-existing health problem, there are steps you can take under your neurosurgeon’s direction that may help lower your risk for failed fusion.

  • Stop smoking; don’t use tobacco. If you smoke, your neurosurgeon may require you to start a smoking-cessation plan well in advance of your spine surgery.
  • Feed your body to fuel it for healing. Getting your body ready for surgery is as important as eating well during recovery and for future spine health.
  • Exercise per your neurosurgeon’s instructions. Movement speeds up your circulation and oxygen intake. This is important to healing. How? Circulation of blood and lymph are essential to feed your body and remove waste at the cellular level.
  • After spinal fusion surgery, get plenty of rest. Your body will fatigue easily, especially in the early days and weeks during recovery.

Talk with your neurosurgeon

We hope this information about posterior spinal fusion has answered your immediate questions.  Remember, your neurosurgeon is your most valuable source to answer your questions about symptoms, treatment and your healthcare.

Learn more about posterior spinal fusion surgery from these online sources:

Gary Kraus, MD,
Neurosurgeon, is Board Certified
Meet Gary Kraus, MD
Masaki Oishi, MD,
Spine Fellowship at the University
Meet Gary Kraus, MD
Pain Library - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Online Videos - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Patient Forms - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
The Woodlands Office
3101 College Park Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77384   MAP
Sugarland / Richmond Office
21155 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 77469   MAP
West Houston Medical Center
12121 Richmond Ave., Ste. 324 Houston, Texas 77082   MAP
West University/Galleria
3391 West Park
Houston, Texas 77005   MAP
Memorial Hermann Memorial City Professional Building III, 915 Gessner, Ste. 360 Houston, Texas 77024   MAP
Humble Office
8901 FM 1960 Bypass, Ste. 304 Humble, Texas 77338    MAP
West Grand Parkway North
1331 West Grand Parkway North, Suite 320, Katy, Texas 77493       MAP