spondylodesis

Spondylodesis, also known as spinal fusion, is a surgical procedure used to permanently join two or more vertebrae in the spine. This is typically done to stabilize a diseased or injured part of the spine, reduce pain, or correct deformities. The goal of spondylodesis is to eliminate motion between the fused vertebrae, which can alleviate symptoms caused by instability.

The procedure usually involves harvesting bone graft material, which can be taken from the patient's own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), or be synthetic. This bone graft is placed between the vertebrae to encourage them to grow together. In many cases, metal implants such as screws, rods, and plates are used to hold the vertebrae in place while the fusion occurs. These implants provide immediate stability and allow the bone graft to integrate.

Spondylodesis is indicated for a variety of spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and fractures. The success rate of spinal fusion is generally high, but like any surgery, it carries potential risks and complications. These can include infection, non-union (failure of the bones to fuse), nerve damage, and hardware failure. Recovery time can vary significantly, with many patients requiring several months of rehabilitation.