Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgery that joins (fuses) two or more vertebrae
together. Vertebrae are the 33 interlocking bones of the spinal column that are
stacked on top of each other.
Methods of doing spinal fusion may include:
- Using bone that is harvested from elsewhere in
the body or is obtained from a bone bank to make a "bridge" between adjoining
vertebrae. This graft of bone stimulates the growth of new
bone.
- Securing metal implants to the vertebrae to hold them
together until new bone grows between the vertebrae.
The medical term for spinal fusion is arthrodesis.
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