A spinal fusion surgery is designed to stop the motion at a painful vertebral segment,
which in turn should decrease pain generated from the joint. There are many approaches
to lumbar spinal fusion surgery, and all involve adding bone graft to an area of
the spine to set up a biological response that causes the bone graft to grow between
the two vertebral elements and create a fusion, thereby stopping the motion at that
segment.
X-ray of pedicle screws in place (lateral view)
X-Ray
For patients with the following conditions, if abnormal and excessive motion at
a vertebral segment results in severe pain and inability to function, a fusion may
be considered :
Degenerative disc disease
Isthmic, degenerative or postlaminectomy spondylolisthesis
Other conditions that may be treated by a spinal fusion surgery include a weak or
unstable spine (caused by infections or tumors), fractures, scoliosis or deformity.
