It is a surgical technique to join two or more vertebrae to ease the pressure on the spine. It can be performed in any section of the spine that causes discomfort to the patient.
In order to ensure if the patient does need this surgery, certain diagnostic assessments are used such as:
1. MRI scan: To look for disc problems.
2. X-ray: To check for arthritis, injuries to the vertebrae.
3. CT scan: To rule out joint and bone problems.
4. Bone scan
5. Myelogram
6. Electrogram