I just had a discogram done and now they want to fuse two vertebrae in my neck. I was told that they will go through my mouth and my stomach. How safe is this operation? Will I be able to return to work (it involves walking & stooping)? What sort of rehab will be necessary?

Question

I just had a discogram done and now they want to fuse two vertebrae in my neck. I was told that they will go through my mouth and my stomach. How safe is this operation? Will I be able to return to work (it involves walking & stooping)? What sort of rehab will be necessary?

Answer

Severe disc degeneration causes constant, chronic (sometimes crippling) back pain. If a discogram demonstrates severe degeneration in a disc, and the pain you are experiencing is so acute that it is verging on crippling, or you have already had a number of slipped discs, then a spinal fusion can achieve excellent results and - in many cases - even completely alleviate pain. Every other possible conservative treatment option should be attempted, however, before opting for a fusion of the spine.

Spinal fusion is generally performed under a light full anesthetic. The purpose of a fusion is to fix the painful disc or lumbar segment. To ensure a lasting fixation, bone has to be added which is harvested from the iliac-crest (one of the pelvic bones). Stability is achieved with screws, plates and cages. Three hours after the operation, you are allowed to walk wearing a special brace. The hospital stay is usually three to seven days. With this brace, you will be able to sit, walk, drive a car or - if desired - ride a bike. The brace must be worn for at least six weeks.

During the first three months you should not be doing any physical therapy. However, after four weeks you will be able to ride a bike or swim. Four months after the surgery intensive therapy and strength training should begin. Fusion of the bone usually takes four months and is confirmed with x-rays. After that, most normal activities are allowed - including sports like golf and tennis.

The success rate of this procedure is very good and major complications are rare as long as the surgeon is experienced in the technique. Please carefully discuss the risks versus benefits of this surgery with your own surgeon to determine whether this procedure is worthwhile for you.