Rygsøjlefusion

Rygsøjlefusion, also known as spinal fusion or spondylodesis, is a surgical procedure to permanently join two or more vertebrae in the spine. The goal of this procedure is to eliminate motion at a painful or unstable segment of the spine. This is achieved by grafting bone between the vertebral bodies, allowing them to grow together into a single, solid bone. This process can be facilitated by using bone graft material, which can be harvested from the patient's own body (autograft), or from a donor (allograft), or through synthetic bone graft substitutes. Instrumentation such as screws, rods, and cages may also be used to hold the vertebrae in place while the fusion occurs.

Spinal fusion is typically performed to treat conditions that cause significant back pain or spinal instability. Common indications include degenerative disc disease, where the discs between vertebrae break down, causing pain and instability. Spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, can also be treated with fusion. Spinal deformities like scoliosis or kyphosis, if severe and causing pain or functional limitations, may also require fusion. Furthermore, fractures of the vertebrae that result in instability or neurological compromise may necessitate a fusion procedure.

The recovery process after spinal fusion can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient. It typically involves a period of rest and limited activity, followed by a gradual increase in movement and physical therapy. While fusion aims to reduce pain and improve stability, it is important to note that the fused segment will no longer have any motion. Potential risks associated with spinal fusion surgery include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, non-union (failure of the bones to fuse), and adjacent segment degeneration, where the unfused segments above or below the fusion site may experience increased stress and wear over time.