The vertebrae then fuse together and grow into a single bone, and over a period of about four to nine months, the bone graft is replaced with living bone produced by your body. Spinal segments must be held immobile to allow the fusion to complete itself. In an anterior fusion, the surgeon takes out the discs of the spine that will be fused in order to create more flexibility, while in a posterior fusion, the facet joints in the area to be fused are removed. Since two or more vertebrae are being fused together, many patients are concerned with a loss of flexibility. Any loss of flexibility depends on how many vertebrae are fused together and where they are located.
Most fusions involve a small number of vertebrae and the loss of flexibility is minimal.
Plus, the reduction of pain allows most patients to feel even more active. Scoliosis surgery Spinal fusion is a major component of most operations to correct scoliosis curves. If an adolescent has a curve measuring 40 or 45 degrees or a curve that continues to progress despite bracing, or if an adult has a curve that exceeds 50 degrees or severe back pain because of scoliosis, surgery is generally recommended to stop the progression and relieve any pain. Before the spinal fusion, the surgeon will first correct the spinal curve by straightening it using special metal rods used for internal fixation. Remember that the curved spine is not just curving, it is bent and twisted like a corkscrew.