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Articles and graphics courtesy of Medtronic Sofamor Danek, 2002.

Interbody Fusion

What is it?
An Interbody Fusion is the uniting of two bony segments, whether a fracture or a vertebral joint. In time, normally within 4 months, the bone grafts will unite with the vertebrae above and below to form one piece of bone.

Why is it done?
The reasons for the operation are to:
· Remove the degenerative disc
· Separate the two vertebral bodies, as they were before the disc degenerated
· Keep them in that position by interposing several pegs of bone (bone graft)

The Operation

Incision
There are a number of techniques for an interbody fusion of the lumbar spine.

Lamina are Removed
First the suregon removes the lamina or the portion of the vertebra that covers the spinal cord. Removing the lamina relives some of the pressure on the spine.

Bone is Removed
Then any bone that may be pinching the nerve roots is removed.

Bone Grafts
Bone grafts are added.

Rods and Screws
Rods are secured to the spine with screws in order to hold the discs in place while the bone graft fuses.

Closing the Incision
The incision is closed. The bone graft will fuse over time.