Symptoms
For some patients with chronic or degenerative back problems, spinal fusion can be a solution. Your doctor may suggest it as an option for a variety of conditions, including:
Abnormal curving or alignment of your spine can cause pain and make it difficult to stand or walk. The most common deformities are scoliosis (the spine curves to the left or right), kyphosis (the upper back curves to create a hump) and lordosis (the lower back curves inward instead of outward.)
This occurs when one of your vertebrae slips forward. It can cause back and leg pain.
This degenerative disorder creates a narrowing of the spinal canal. It is a common cause of pain in the lower back or leg (sciatica).
This is a problem with one of the “cushions” that sits between vertebrae in your spine. The jellylike material in the center of the disc protrudes outward, where it may put pressure on a nerve. It commonly causes pain, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
Breaks can be caused by trauma or osteoporosis. Fractures can cause pain, swelling, changes in your posture, tingling and incontinence.
Diagnosis
Before spinal fusion is recommended, your team will definitively diagnose the cause of your back pain. There are, for example, some conditions – including piriformis syndrome and muscle strains – that can mimic the symptoms of degenerative disc disease.
Your evaluation will start with a physical exam and thorough exploration of your medical history and back pain symptoms. Other diagnostic options include:
Radiation is used to create images of the bones in your neck or back.
These machines use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of bones, muscles, tendons and tissues.
These scanners use multiple X-ray images compiled with the help of a computer to create highly detailed 3D images of your bones and soft tissues.
A special dye is injected into the soft tissue of one or more discs before an X-ray or CT scan. It can reveal cracks in the disc exterior.
Treatment
In spinal fusion, your surgeon will make an incision to gain access to your spine. Then a bone graft – either from your own body or a bone bank – is used to fuse vertebrae together permanently. While it heals, the bone graft is held in place with metal plates, rods or screws.
Spinal fusion has been around for decades. Our multidisciplinary specialists are trained in the latest minimally invasive procedures and the most advanced surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes. Among them:
Our surgeons use a computer-guided robot for precise placement of the spinal hardware.
New robotic technology is improving the outcomes of spine surgery at the Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute. The ExcelsiusGPS™ system combines image-guided navigation technology with a robotic arm that allows the surgeon to very accurately place implants used in spine surgery.
The ExcelsiusGPS system improves surgical outcomes by allowing the surgeon to preplan and implant each screw in the perfect location during every procedure through a robotic arm. The process starts the day of surgery when medical images are taken of the patient’s spine and imported into the ExcelsiusGPS system. The surgeon uses these images to determine the size and placement of the implants, then guides a robotic arm to accurately place screws using instruments that make small incisions. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon monitors the procedure on the screen for the most precise placement possible.
The ExcelsiusGPS system can be used for patients in need of minimally invasive or open fusion spinal surgery. The precise planning and placement of surgical implants through this technology also results in less operating time, including a reduction in time the patient spends under general anesthesia.
Upcoming enhancements of the ExcelsiusGPS technology will incorporate the use of spine cages, spacers and other surgical tools into procedures performed with the robotic arm.
Spine surgery is recommended as a treatment for back pain only after a person has explored other more conservative approaches, such as anti-inflammatory medication, pain management, injections and physical therapy.
Advances in the realm of endoscopes – long thin flexible tubes equipped with a camera and light – allow surgeons to access your spine though small incisions. These minimally invasive procedures allow quicker healing and fewer complications.
This high-definition imaging system magnifies the surgeon’s operating view during delicate microsurgeries.
For complex cases, we can print a life-size replica of your spine, based on CT scans. This can help with surgical planning and significantly reduce operating time.
This advanced surgical technique avoids moving the patient during the spinal fusion process. It allows for faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays.
The surgeon is assisted by a computer – based on advanced imaging of your spine – to perform the procedure more quickly and with more precision.
Our team participates in clinical trials that can offer our patients early access to new tools and techniques.
