Why a spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion may be necessary to treat: • Injuries to the vertebrae; • In cases where mere cutting away of the protruding part of a slipped or herniated disc between the vertebrae does not sufficiently alleviate pain and pressure on the nerve. The process by which a normal shock-absorbing disc becomes a slipped disc, can be explained as follows: A degenerative disc loses its cushioning effect and can no longer function as a shock absorber between two vertebrae. The space between the vertebrae narrows, as well as the holes (foramen) that the nerve bundles (to and from the limbs, controlling movement and sensation) pass through. Too narrow spaces will cause pressure on the nerves, leading to pain and loss of sensation or movement of the affected limb. Then, as if the back pain is not enough, over years the facet joints of the vertebrae become arthritic and develop bony spurs. This process (called spondylosis) causes further narrowing of the foramen and progresses until the facet joints
