What is spinal instrumentation?
Spinal instrumentation is a method of stabilising the spine and facilitating fusion after decompression surgery has been performed. There are a variety of implants that can be used to keep the spine rigid while new bone growth occurs. These include plates, screws, rods, cages, wire, artificial discs and hooks and can be made from titanium, titanium-alloy, stainless steel or non-metallic materials. Spinal instrumentation is a long-term remedy for spinal instability. Medical implants come in various forms, styles, and sizes, designed to treat spinal diseases in people of all ages.
Types of spinal implants:
What is spinal fusion?
Bone graft is used in spinal fusion to cause two opposed bony surfaces to grow together. In medical terms, spinal fusion is referred to as arthrodesis. During the primary surgery, the bone transplant might be extracted from the patient (autologous or allograft bone) or retrieved from other people (termed allograft bone). Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is another alternative for some patients undergoing lumbar (low back) spine surgery (BMP). BMP aids in the formation of new bone.
Why is spinal fusion and instrumentation performed together?
Instrumentation is utilised during spinal fusion to help maintain spinal stability while also speeding up the bone fusion process. These treatments are used to restore spine stability, cure spinal deformity (such as scoliosis), and bridge space produced after a spinal decompression procedure by removing a spinal element (e.g., an intervertebral disc). Both techniques function in tandem to immobilise the spinal level in question. This does not necessarily imply that the patient is immobile (e.g., bend over). Many patients report feeling more mobility because their pain has been lessened or eliminated due to spinal fusion surgery.
FAQ:
The average procedure takes between one and two hours to complete.
Returning to simple activities, such as light housework, may take 4 to 6 weeks. It could take anything from 6 months to a year for your back to fully recover. While your back heals, you may need to wear a back brace. Your doctor may also recommend that you attend physiotherapy.
Spinal fusion is an effective procedure that takes several hours to complete.
I am a qualified neurosurgeon following my pre- and postgraduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch and currently have private practices at Netcare N1 City, which caters for the northern suburbs of Cape Town and Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital, which caters for the west coast of Cape Town and Western Cape.
Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital
Tel: +27 (0)21 554 0779 / Fax: +27 (0)21 554 2144
Email: bbhinfo@capeneurospine.co.za
Netcare N1 City Hospital
Tel: 021 595 4633 / Fax: 021-595 3446
Email: info@capeneurospine.co.za