Spinal Fusion
Fusion is a surgically created solid bone bridge between two or more adjacent (usually freely mobile) bones. In the spine, this procedure is used to create stability between vertebrae. In order to achieve a fusion, bone must grow across the desired area in a gradual and solid fashion. A number of techniques can increase the chance of this to occur. During this procedure bone tissue (bone graft) is placed into the area of desired fusion, and to ensure sufficient immobility across that area devices such as braces, casts, and spinal instrumentation are used. The fusion then takes place over the next 6 to 9 months or more.
