Question 1

is it possible for the titanium screws used in a spinal fusion to break?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If there are high enough loads or stresses across the screws they can break.  This is more often seen with fusions not healing or with significant loads placed on the screws such with major deformity corrections and in large, overweight patients.  Sometimes, the screws are undersized or of an earlier design.

Question 2

i have had a spinal fusion for the past 10 years.  can bending down too much or twisting cause the rod to break/fracture the spine?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: If the rod breaks, it is more likely sign that the fusion did not fully heal.  Very early rod systems had some design issues that led to breakage even with good fusion achieved.  The other possible options: the rod broke as you were fusing or the rod diameter was too small for your size & extent of the fusion levels.  It could have been recontoured too many times at surgery & stress riser made.

Question 3

what is a spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

Just like it sounds: Its when multiple vertebrae are fused together so they no longer move. You sacrifice some of your range of motion for pain relief. Be sure you have exausted all conservative measures first, because once its done, there's no going back.

Question 4

how does a spinal fusion work?

Accepted Answer

Stops motion: The purpose of a lumbar fusion procedure is to stabilize the segment in the lumbar spine.  It stops motion in that segment to treat back pain and possibly nerve root compression leading to leg pain, weakness, numbness, or any combination of those.  It relies on removing the disc and replacing with bone graft.  In addition, screws and rods are used to hold this in place while the fusion occurs.

Question 5

how painful is a spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

Not uncontrolable: Dosent hurt as bad as bad as knee replacement hard to get out of bed but sitting uncomfortable for two months but controlled on pain meds every body is different.

Question 6

how much pain is a spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

A tough two weeks: The first two weeks are tough. Make sure you have help. Most people get spinal fusion because they already are in constant pain. If the fusion works then you will start to feel better. If you smoke then quit now this will help you heal. If not a smoker don't start. :)
good luck.

Question 7

can you tell me about spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

Locks two vertebrae: Together. See www.Spine-health.Com for some descriptions, but it basically does just that, fuses a couple vertebrae, or however many are targeted, and places hardware to keep your spine from moving at those segments. It should only be an option if you have instability, but many people have done and later pay the price if it was not indicated with more pain than before.

Question 8

how can  a spinal fusion slip forward?

Accepted Answer

Pseudoarthrosis: If a bony fusion doesn't heal properly (pseudoarthrosis or failed fusion) then it may slip forward over time.  It may also cause pain and result in broken hardware.  This is more common in tobacco users, diabetics, obesity, and other conditions. A ct scan can be used to assess the fusion.  Revision spinal fusion may be necessary.

Question 9

what is the spinal fusion process like?

Accepted Answer

Variable: The term 'spinal fusion' can refer to many different procedures. There are many differences depending on which area of the spine is being fused and what type of approach is used. A cervical fusion often involves a small incision and can be done as an outpatient. Lumbar surgery is usually an inpatient procedure. Some surgeons use 'minimally invasive' techniques which are less traumatic.

Question 10

how long for a spinal fusion will heal?

Accepted Answer

Healing spinal fusio: We need a lot more info to answer this question, they are many variables that determine when fusion will heal such as:location of the fusion, levels fused, type of fixation used, materialch used weather is  autograft or allograft  and surgical technique, use of graft material, plus general condition and health of the pt.Usually one level uncomplicated fusion will take between 6 to 8 months.

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Doctor answers about:

Can a spinal fusion break

A member asked:

Is it possible for the titanium screws used in a spinal fusion to break?

A member asked:

I have had a spinal fusion for the past 10 years. can bending down too much or twisting cause the rod to break/fracture the spine?

A member asked:

What is a spinal fusion?

A member asked:

How does a spinal fusion work?

A member asked:

How painful is a spinal fusion?

A member asked:

How much pain is a spinal fusion?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about spinal fusion?

A member asked:

How can a spinal fusion slip forward?

A member asked:

What is the spinal fusion process like?

A member asked:

How long for a spinal fusion will heal?

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