Spinal Fusion Surgery Baltimore

One of the most popular interventions for chronic pain resulting from spinal conditions is spinal fusion surgery Baltimore.  While this sounds like a very technical and complicated operation (and, it is for the surgeons who specialize in it), it is actually very easy to understand.

What Happens During Spinal Fusion Surgery Baltimore MD?

Before being able to fully understand this surgical procedure, it is necessary to understand a little bit about the structure of the spine.  The rigid, bony part is made up of a stack of small bones, called vertebrae.  Each vertebrae has an open passage in its middle, which accommodates the spinal cord.  The spinal cord is one half of the central nervous system, with the brain making up the other half.  Many other important nerve structures are attached to the spinal cord.  These run throughout the entire body, allowing the arms, legs, hands, fingers, feet and other body parts to perceive sensation and move in response to various brain functions.

When an injury occurs, or a degenerative bone disease develops, it can alter the position of one or more vertebrae, subsequently placing pressure on an important nerve.  The result is pain in the back or another body part connected to the impacted nerve structure.

Spinal fusion procedures Baltimore can sometimes offer a solution to these types of chronic pain by stabilizing the vertebrae.  As suggested by the name of the procedure, the surgery seeks to fuse two or more vertebrae into a single piece of bone.  The objective is to decrease pathological movement of the spine, resulting in the cessation of unnecessary compression of nerve structure.  It requires the use of bone grafting material which can be obtained either from another surgical site on the patient's own body, or from a deceased organ donor.  Rods, screws, and other medical hardware are used to stabilize the spine until the graft has time to fully fuse the vertebrae.

The fusion surgery is by no means a panacea for anyone with spine-related chronic pain.  It is really only an option for those who have tried all of the less-invasive treatment options without adequate relief.