Spinal fusion: indications and contraindications, surgical methods, treatment prices

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Spondylodesis is a surgical procedure that is a type of arthrodesis. The purpose of the operation is to immobilize one or more spinal motion segments. This is achieved through the installation of special structures that reliably fix the vertebrae to be fused together. As a result, over time they firmly grow together, which completely eliminates the possibility of movement and the development of painful sensations against this background.

The need for spinal fusion arises in many spinal pathologies that are not amenable to conservative treatment. Therefore, it is usually combined with other surgical interventions. Spine surgeons at SL Clinic will help you get rid of spinal problems and perform spinal fusion. We have already managed to help many hundreds of patients with various diagnoses, and we will help you return to a full, active life without pain.

Indications for spinal fusion

The need to eliminate the mobility of the vertebral motion segment arises with spondylolisthesis, instability of the vertebrae, which is accompanied by severe pain. The vertebral motion segment of the spine is called its structural and functional unit, which consists of two adjacent vertebrae, a disc located between them, as well as a facet joint and their ligaments.

The causes of vertebral instability most often lie in severe osteochondrosis, in which the intervertebral discs are severely destroyed and completely lose their functionality. As a result, a large number of patients additionally develop not only intervertebral hernias, but also arthrosis of the facet joints, compression of the spinal cord and its nerve roots.

Each of these conditions is accompanied by severe pain, which in almost half of the cases cannot be treated with conservative methods. Therefore, in such cases, patients are prescribed surgical intervention appropriate to the situation, followed by spinal fusion. It could be:

• facetectomy, indicated for severe spondyloarthrosis;
• decompression of the dural sac, necessary for compression of the spinal cord;
• meningoradiculolysis, used for the formation of adhesions in the area of ​​the spinal roots.

Most often, patients undergo removal of intervertebral hernias and installation of special cages in place of the resected intervertebral discs. Only such an integrated approach ensures complete elimination of pain syndrome and reliable prevention of their occurrence in connection with damage to the same spinal motion segment in the future.

Indications for spinal fusion after releasing compressed nerves and removing severely damaged intervertebral discs are:

• displacement of the vertebrae (spondylolisthesis);
• arthrosis of the facet (arc-shaped) joints;
• cicatricial adhesive epiduritis;
• congenital or acquired instability of the spine;
• severe kyphosis, scoliosis grade 3–4;
• osteochondrosis, accompanied by discogenic pain;
• regularly recurrent radicular syndrome due to various reasons;
• herniated discs leading to compression of nerves or the spinal canal;
• neoplasms in the spine of any origin;
• spinal canal stenosis;
• compression fractures of the spine that occur due to osteoporosis;
• cracks, fractures and other spinal injuries.

In each individual case, the spinal surgeon strictly individually selects the type of intervention performed and develops a step-by-step plan for the operation. To do this, he requires laboratory results, MRI, CT or X-rays.

When developing tactics for surgical treatment, existing concomitant diseases and the financial situation of the patient must be taken into account. At SL Clinic you can undergo a comprehensive diagnosis of the spine and receive help from leading neurosurgeons who regularly perform decompression and stabilization operations with high success rates. The cost of all types of operations and diagnostic methods is given in the price list.

Types of spinal fusion

Decompression and stabilization operations can be performed through an anterior or posterior approach. But more often, preference is given to the posterior one, since performing the anterior approach is more technically difficult and is accompanied by significant injury to soft tissues, which entails the risk of severe bleeding and a high likelihood of complications.

In the posterior type, the surgeon is able to perform manipulations on the spine, cutting the skin, fascia and pushing the deep back muscles to the sides. This allows for less tissue trauma, therefore less likely to lead to undesirable consequences and ensures an easier and faster rehabilitation period. Spinal fusion through the posterior approach in the vast majority of cases became possible thanks to the creation of titanium cages, which contain bone chips. These are special implants installed instead of removed intervertebral discs. They replaced bone or artificial implants and significantly increased the safety and effectiveness of surgical intervention.

If it is still impossible to perform the operation via a posterior approach, an anterior approach is chosen. It involves making an incision on the front surface of the neck, and if it is necessary to perform surgery on the lumbar region, the surgeon creates access to the spine through the abdominal cavity. This is mainly practiced when:

• comminuted fractures of the spine;
• scoliosis;
• a number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases.

There are also differences in the methods of fixation of the vertebrae during spinal fusion. When choosing the anterior method, the neurosurgeon stabilizes the vertebral bodies. If the posterior fixation technique is chosen, the surgeon works with the spinous and transverse processes of the vertebrae.

But according to studies, interbody fusion is especially effective. Since the vertebral bodies are much better supplied with blood, have a larger number of cellular elements and have a high potential for the formation of new bone tissue, objects implanted between them take root much better than those installed between the processes of the vertebrae. With this method of fixation, successful spinal fusion can be achieved in 96% of cases. Otherwise, the vertebrae may not fuse, which will lead to continued back pain and serious consequences in the future.

Decompressions and fusion

Sometimes the surgeon will perform decompression and fusion. For example, after a discectomy, space appears between the vertebral bodies. This gap is usually filled with a bone graft (from the patient's pelvic bone or from donor bone) or a spacer, which supports the spine and promotes fusion. This type of surgery is called an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or ACDF.

Many surgeons use fixation devices (plates with screws) in the anterior surgical approach to perform ACDF or corpectomy. These devices help improve fusion stability.

Spinal fusion of the cervical spine

In case of pronounced degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae of the cervical spine, posterior cervicospondylodesis using transpedicular fixation is most often performed. If it is necessary to stabilize in one position, 1, 2 or more spinal motion segments may be subject to stabilization. But this method requires a high level of professionalism from the neurosurgeon, as it carries a risk of damage to nerve fibers and blood vessels.

If a high probability of developing such complications is detected at the stage of preoperative preparation, preference is given to installing metal structures to fix the posterior supporting complex of the spinal motion segment. They allow you to connect the processes of the vertebrae, which leads to spinal fusion.

Spinal fusion can also be performed through an anterolateral approach. Indications for its implementation are serious injuries to the cervical spine. In such cases, the method of vertebral fixation is selected for each patient individually based on MRI results. Interbody cervicospondylodesis associated with the installation of an anterior fixation plate is highly effective in the surgical treatment of cervical spine fractures.

As a result of surgical intervention, in most cases it is possible to achieve complete elimination of pain, which allows patients to return to daily activities. In some cases, minor discomfort may occasionally occur that does not affect a person’s ability to work.

How much does the operation cost?

In Moscow, the minimum cost of spinal fusion is 50,000 rubles. In this case, a person must additionally pay for consumables, metal implants, hospital stay and rehabilitation. In total, treatment in Moscow can cost a patient 100,000 rubles.

Nowadays, many residents of the Russian Federation go to Germany and Israel for surgery. There the operation costs between 10-12 thousand euros. Unfortunately, in German and Israeli clinics, patients are discharged within a few days after surgery. As a result, patients do not receive the necessary rehabilitation or undergo it at home. Naturally, all this slows down recovery.

If you want to undergo surgery abroad and receive full rehabilitation, pay attention to the Czech Republic. Treatment there costs much less than in other European countries. For spinal fusion, a stay in the clinic and high-quality recovery in the Czech Republic, you will pay only 7-8 thousand euros.

Spinal fusion of the lumbar spine

In the vast majority of cases, operations on the lumbar spine are performed via a posterior approach with the choice of an interbody method of fixation of the vertebrae. Intervention through the anterior approach is carried out exclusively in complex clinical cases and in case of comminuted fractures.

There are several ways to perform lumbar interbody fusion:

• anterior (ALIF);
• rear(PLIF);
• transforaminal(TLIF).

To ensure that the immobilization of the spinal motion segment is as reliable as possible, the operation is often supplemented with transpedicular fixation. In this case, special metal structures are installed, which further strengthen the fastening of the vertebral bodies.

Anterior interbody fusion

The ALIF technique allows for extremely convenient access to intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies. Thanks to this, the neurosurgeon is able to freely remove the disc, eliminate pathological compression of the nerve roots and spinal canal, and install a cage. If necessary, the surgeon installs additional fixing structures.

When using the ALIF technique, it is possible to bypass the nerve bundles, which eliminates the possibility of their damage and the development of related complications. But it presupposes the need to move blood vessels, which can provoke bleeding.

Posterior interbody fusion

The PLIF method involves removing processes from both sides of the vertebra. This is followed by a radical discectomy. Cages are placed on both sides of the vertebra.

Sometimes they are replaced with expanding implants. Since they are smaller, the neurosurgeon only needs to perform a medial bilateral facetectomy (removal of the facet joints) and remove only the nucleus pulposus of the disc. These implants are equipped with screws. They are unscrewed with a special key, thanks to which the cages are firmly fixed in a given position.

A huge advantage of the technique is the ability to perform circular spinal fusion during one operation. But its implementation carries the risk of damaging the nerves, since the surgeon must push them back to gain access to the interbody space. The main danger of this is the development of paresis, paralysis and disruption of the intestines and urinary organs, which can lead to urinary and fecal incontinence.

Transforaminal spinal fusion

The TLIF technique is recognized as the least traumatic. It involves removing the intervertebral disc and performing spinal fusion on the side of the most severe stenosis.

Transforaminal spinal fusion allows you to preserve the integrity of the posterior supporting structures of the spine and fulfill the entire planned volume even in the presence of significant scar changes.

How dangerous is this surgery?

Spinal surgeries such as spinal fusion have been performed since the 1930s. Previously, they were among the most difficult. But the introduction of new medical technologies and the emergence of more modern implants have made spinal fusion a difficult, but quite ordinary neurosurgical procedure.

Now endocrine methods of surgical intervention and the latest digital microscopes are used, which makes it possible to minimize the trepanation window, minimize tissue trauma during spinal fusion and various complications after it.

Contraindications

Spinal fusion cannot be performed if:

• severe diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• recent stroke or heart attack;
• acute infectious diseases;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• formation of fistulas of unknown origin;
• blood clotting disorders;
• varicose veins.

Traditionally, surgical treatment is indicated only for patients aged 12 to 60 years. In other cases, the possibility of surgical intervention is considered by a group of specialists.

Features of rehabilitation

Spinal fusion is not a simple surgical procedure. The patient spends the first day after it in the intensive care ward under constant medical supervision. If during this time there are no signs of complications developing, positive dynamics are observed, he is transferred to a regular ward and allowed to get up and move independently for short distances.

Discharge from the hospital is carried out at different times, which is determined by the type of operations performed and the extent of spinal fusion performed. The patient receives detailed instructions on the rules of behavior during the rehabilitation period, directions to attend physiotherapeutic procedures and exercise therapy classes.

To speed up reparative processes, patients are prescribed individually selected medications, as well as wearing an orthopedic corset.

On average, it takes 2 to 4 months for the body to fully recover. During this entire time, it is prohibited to perform heavy physical work, lift weights, or sit for long periods of time.

If all recommendations received are strictly followed, patients return to a full life and do not suffer from limited mobility, especially when performing mono- and bisegmental spinal fusion. Minor difficulties can arise only when several spinal motion segments are fused during bending.

Postoperative recovery

Surgery on the cervical spine is complex and requires careful implementation of a number of measures:

• After surgery, complete regeneration will take several months. To limit neck movement and provide support, a neck brace is often recommended after surgery. Limiting neck movement promotes effective fusion of the vertebrae. It is important that the patient rests.
• Patients are advised to resume slow walking as soon as possible after surgery. It is necessary to gradually increase the duration of walking, and if the patient has difficulty walking in the first few days after surgery, then it is better to avoid walking. Before starting walking, you should consult with your doctor. It is advisable to walk 10-15 minutes a day.
• Avoid lifting heavy loads, bending, performing overhead work with arms, and sudden or forceful turns of the neck. Do not carry out any activities that put stress on the neck muscles. Driving is also not allowed after surgery. The patient needs to join exercise therapy classes 3-4 months after surgery. But physical exercise is possible only after the bones have fused properly.
• The length of time it takes for the bones to completely fuse (fuse) varies from patient to patient. It also largely depends on what method was used to surgically fuse the bones. If the surgeon used the patient's own bone or instrumentation for surgical fusion, then the bones will fuse quite quickly, in about 3-4 months. But, if a bone graft from a donor is used, then it takes a longer time for the bones to fuse (within 6-9 months). Recovery time will be further prolonged if the patient is overly physically active, performs work with the arms above the head, and holds the neck arbitrarily in any direction. Every day the patient experiences less discomfort. The time required for the patient to return to normal activities will also vary. Some may take 3-6 months, while some may take a year to fully heal.
• If the patient notices any signs of infection, swelling, redness or thickening at the site of surgery or incision, then he must see his doctor. To treat severe pain after surgery, your doctor may prescribe narcotic pain medications. Gradually, as the pain decreases, the doctor moves on to conventional analgesics. Certain pain medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, and COX-2 inhibitors, should be avoided for several months after surgery.
• Follow-up scheduled appointments with the attending surgeon are absolutely necessary to evaluate the recovery process and verify the reliability of the surgical implants or artificial disc. If there is persistent pain, the doctor may prescribe certain diagnostic tests, such as MSCT or MRI, EMG (ENMG). It is also important that the patient takes the medications prescribed by the doctor in a timely manner.
• Smoking is a big enemy on the road to recovery. Smoking should not be resumed after surgery because nicotine disrupts or interferes with the bone healing process, which is necessary for successful fusion. Smoking also increases the risk of complications after surgery.
• Diet is another important aspect of recovery. The patient must eat a healthy and nutritious diet to allow muscle and bone tissue to recover. It is necessary to include animal proteins in the diet, as they contain all the essential amino acids, while vegetarian sources do not contain some amino acids. A balanced diet helps in healing and recovery.
• Family members and loved ones should provide support to the patient so that he/she can get rid of emotional stress. The patient experiences a lot of stress during the surgery and hence good care and support from the family members after the surgery will be of great help in mitigating the stress.

Spinal fusion at SL Clinic

“SL Clinic” has comfortable reception areas, treatment rooms, wards, modern diagnostic equipment and operating rooms equipped with the latest technology. We are constantly improving and trying to create the best treatment conditions for patients with various spinal diseases.

The cost of spinal fusion starts from 410,000 rubles and depends on: - Spinal diseases (displacement of the vertebrae or narrowing of the spinal canal, etc.) - Implant manufacturer; — Clinic (where the operation will be performed) and the class of the ward. — The number of vertebrae that need to be stabilized. The price includes: — Stay at the clinic before and after surgery; — Implants. — Operation; - Anesthesia; — Observation and consultation during the rehabilitation period. All clinic services and costs are listed in the price list.

Our spinal surgeons have been helping you achieve pain relief and a high quality of life for over 10 years. They regularly master new methods of conservative and surgical treatment, which will allow them to combine experience and modern approaches to treatment.

If you don't have back pain, contact SL Clinic.