This procedure (fusion) describes a method of connecting separate spine bones together with bone, “fusing” them together.
In the schematic to the right, the pertinent anatomy is outlined. The lamina is the bone the covers the spinal canal, where the nerves are located. The transverse processes are like mini ribs and are good attachment points for the fusion to occur to the added bone graft.
The surgical technique involves removing attached soft tissues, and making the bone surfaces rough to create an environment where the bone grows together. The physiology mimics the events that occur when the body is healing a broken bone, allowing the graft to connect two or more bones into one.
In the X-ray to the right, the bone that formed in the posterolateral region, over the transverse processes, can be seen. The transverse processes of the non-fused levels above are illustrated.
This patient fused from L3 to the sacrum (S1), but the level above, L2-3, due to the concentration of forces at that level, is wearing out. This wearing is shown by the dark disc (less water content) above the level of the successful fusion.
