Spinal Fusion Surgery

The bone is taken from the pelvic bone or from a bone bank and is used as a bridge between vertebrae that are next to each other. This helps the new bone grow.

These are often used to hold the vertebrae together until new bone grows between them.

An incision is made in the back to expose the spine. The joints between the vertebrae are loosened and roughened up so that new bone may be produced.

The vertebrae fuse due to the formation of new bone, eventually bridging the gaps. To aid the vertebra to fuse and hold its place, metal implant rods, screws, hooks or wires may be used.

Bone grafts are done to augment fusion. When the bone is obtained from the patient themselves, it is called an autogenous bone graft. Whereas if it is obtained from a donor or a bone back, it is known as allogenous. The bone used for a bone graft is typically harvested from the pelvis.