According to NBC News, almost 600,000 Americans undergo back surgery every year. One common procedure when it comes to back surgery is spinal fusion.
Spinal fusion is performed on the vertebrae in the spine. During this procedure, surgeons connect two or more vertebrae together as one.
Experts often compare this process to welding because it literally fuses the vertebrae together. This keeps the vertebrae from moving, which often reduces or eliminates back pain.
So just what is the core concept behind this medical procedure?
The Spinal Fusion Process
In spinal fusion surgery, surgeons try to simulate the healing process of broken bones. As a result, the body heals as it would naturally. The end goal of surgery is to allow the vertebrae to heal as if they were one working part.
“Spinal fusion involves techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “During spinal fusion, your surgeon places bone or a bonelike material within the space between two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates, screws and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together, so they can heal into one solid unit.”