A lumbar spinal fusion surgery is designed to stop the motion at a painful vertebral segment, which in turn should decrease pain generated from the joint. Spinal fusion involves techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones. In cases where a spinal fusion is necessary due to a car accident, specific procedures and considerations may apply.
During spinal fusion, your surgeon places bone or a bone-like material within the space between two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates, screws, and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together so that they can heal into one solid unit.
Spinal fusion surgery is generally safe and risk-free, but as with any surgery, there can be risk factors.
Causes
North Carolina car accidents can lead to injuries that require spinal fusion surgery. Certain automobile accidents can be more severe than others (tractor-trailer accidents, head-on collisions, etc.).
After any of these accidents, you should seek immediate medical attention, especially if your injuries are severe. Seeking immediate medical attention can be beneficial to your long-term health as well.
Why Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae in your spine to improve stability, correct a deformity, or reduce pain. Your doctor may recommend spinal fusion to treat:
- Deformities of the spine. Spinal fusion can help correct spinal deformities, such as a sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis).
- Spinal weakness or instability. Your spine may become unstable if there’s abnormal or excessive motion between two vertebrae. This is a common side effect of severe arthritis in the spine. Spinal fusion can be used to restore spinal stability in such cases.
- Herniated disk. Spinal fusion may be used to stabilize the spine after removal of a damaged (herniated) disk.
The Surgery
Generally, the spinal fusion procedure involves the following:
- Incision. To access the vertebrae being fused, the surgeon makes an incision in one of three locations: in your neck or back directly over your spine, on either side of your spine, or in your abdomen or throat so that your surgeon can access the spine from the front.
- Bone graft preparation. The bone grafts that fuse two vertebrae together may come from a bone bank or your own body, usually from your pelvis. If your own bone is used, the surgeon makes an incision above your pelvic bone, removes a small portion of it, and then closes the incision.
- Fusion. To fuse the vertebrae permanently, the surgeon places the bone graft material between the vertebrae. Metal plates, screws, or rods may be used to help hold the vertebrae together while the bone graft heals.
In some cases, surgeons might use a synthetic substance instead of bone grafts. These synthetic substances help promote bone growth and speed the fusion process.
Recovery
A hospital stay of two to three days is usually required following spinal fusion. Depending on the location and extent of your surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort, but the pain can usually be controlled well with medications.
After you go home, contact your doctor if you exhibit signs of infection, such as:
- Redness, tenderness, or swelling
- Wound drainage
- Shaking chills
- Fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
It may take several months for the affected bones in your spine to heal and fuse. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a brace for a time to keep your spine aligned correctly. Physical therapy can teach you how to move, sit, and stand properly to help keep your spine aligned.
Representation for Spinal Fusion Surgery After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an automobile accident, speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Maginnis Howard handles cases across the Carolinas on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we reach a settlement or obtain a verdict or settlement for your case. Contact us for a free consultation at one of our three conveniently located offices in Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Raleigh.
