Spinal Fusion
What is spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses two or more vertebrae. Spinal fusion stabilizes the spine and prevents stretching of nerves, muscles, and ligaments around the spine. Hence, when spinal instability becomes a source of back pain, spinal fusion can be the best option to treat the pain.
Why spinal fusion is done?
A patient may experience severe pain due to spinal weakness, instability, broken vertebrae, deformity of the spine, or herniated spinal disc. In order to prevent further pain and damages, your doctor may recommend a spinal fusion, which improves stability, corrects the deformity, and reduces the pain.
Spinal fusion at Nanoori Hospital
• The operation time is short
• Two spine specialists perform the procedure
• Recovery is fast
• A side effect is minimal
• Nanoori Hospital leads 360-degree spondylodesis
• Spinal fusion can be combined with the other procedures
• A patient can walk on the next day of the surgery
• Nanoori Hospital has a high success rate
After Spinal Fusion
Surgery day
• Must rest for at least 4 hours before standing straight
• Must rest for at least 8 hours and wear brace before using the restroom
• Must rest for a day before walking
• Must gradually increase the physical activity
Week 1
• Must visit the nearest hospital once every two days until the surgical suture is removed. This is to keep the wound disinfected
• May feel stiff because of suture
• Must take the medications provided at the hospital as guided
• Must be gentle when rotating or bending the lower back
• Should avoid sitting for longer than an hour
• Must not drive, but short-distance traveling by car is allowed
• Should not carry heavy objects
Week 2
• May have suture removed by this time
• May begin with light stretching and gradually increase the amount of physical activities
• When feeling pain in the lower back area or the legs, one must rest in a lying position
• May gradually increase the sitting time
Week 3~6
• May shower two days after removing the suture
• May bath one week after removing the suture
• May work in a sitting position for a slightly extended period of time
• Must not overwork
• Full stretching such as pulling up the knees towards the chest or raising up the legs straight while lying down may be helpful
• Should walk for 15 to 30 minutes in the morning and the evening to strengthen the lower back
• Should wear brace for up to 8 weeks after surgery (discuss this matter with your attending physician because the requirement may differ from each person)
After 2 months
• May begin to work, but should avoid performing intense repetitive motions
• May swim or go for an easy day hike
After 3 months
• Once the fusion is completed and confirmed, may practice golf or other sports
• Should exercise regularly to strengthen the lower back
