What is neck and spine fusion?
Neck and spine fusion refers to surgical procedures that permanently connect two or more vertebrae. The procedure stabilizes the spine and stops painful motion. Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute is a multi-specialty state-of-the-art practice that includes a team of neurosurgeons who specialize in spinal fusion procedures for the neck and back.
Who needs neck or spine fusion?
Your neurosurgeon at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute determines if you need neck or spine fusion after a consultation. Though surgery may help your neck or back pain condition, the team may recommend conservative treatments, such as medication, on-site physical therapy, or interventional pain management, before they suggest a spinal fusion procedure. However, when conservative efforts fail to provide relief from your discomfort, they may suggest surgical intervention. Neck and spine fusion benefits many conditions that affect the neck and back, including:
- Herniated disc
- Spinal deformities
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Spinal tumors
The team only performs neck or spine fusion when they can definitively pinpoint the source of your pain and correct it with surgical intervention.
What happens during neck and spine fusion?
The Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute team uses many techniques to perform neck and spine fusion. The specifics of your procedure depend on your diagnosis, the location of your surgery, and your overall health. Neck and spine fusion procedures include:
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
- Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
- Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
- Minimally invasive transforaminal spinal fusion
During your neck or spine fusion, your neurosurgeon uses a bone graft to fuse the bones together and then plates, screws, and rods to immobilize and stabilize the vertebrae. When possible, the team uses minimally invasive surgery when performing your neck or spine fusion to reduce your post-surgical pain and recovery time. However, the bone fusion process takes time, and the team at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process. Once your spine is stable, the team refers you to their in-house physical therapy team to help improve muscle strength for spinal support. To schedule your neck and spine fusion consultation at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute, call the office nearest you or request an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
