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Anterior Fusion Spinal Surgery in Minnesota

If you suffer from back pain, anterior fusion spinal surgery may help. Contact Dr. Hart Garner today to see if you are a good candidate.
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What is Anterior Fusion?

The anterior lumbar interbody fusion procedure treats disc problems in the low back. A bone fusion helps reduce or eliminate pain and correct alignment by fusing two or more spinal bones together.
Posterior spinal fusion xray

Who Needs Anterior Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion surgery can correct damaged discs and realign bones causing back pain or leg pain, commonly caused by lumbar degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis or flat back syndrome. It may also be helpful in cases where physical therapy and medication have not improved symptoms.
Vehicle Collision

An anterior fusion requires an incision on the belly. A spine surgeon and a vascular surgeon work together.

During the procedure, the vascular surgeon moves aside the vessels heading to the legs and creates a path to the spine. The spine surgeon removes the damaged disc and fills the gap between the bones with a spacer bone graft. In addition to restoring height between the bones, the spacer corrects spinal curvature and relieves pinched nerves.

The graft serves as a bridge between the bones and promotes fusion. Some grafts may need reinforcement with metal plates and screws.

During the healing process, new bone grows around the graft. Approximately three to six months after grafting, the vertebrae should fuse into one solid bone.

You may need a one-level or multi-level fusion, depending on your symptoms. When a two-level fusion is performed, it joins three bones, whereas a one-level fusion joins two bones. Fusion will reduce your spine’s flexibility to some extent, but most patients won’t notice a difference.

Recovery

Most people stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after ALIF. Depending on how well your pain is controlled and how well you are able to stand and move about, the length of your stay will vary.

In most cases, patients will be able to stand and walk on the first day after surgery. For your comfort and to protect your surgical fusion, your surgeon may provide you with a back brace.

During the first several weeks following surgery, you will perform basic exercises, such as walking. You should avoid bending your back, twisting, or lifting anything heavy during this time.

Spinal cord stimulator concept image
Anticonvulsants

Control seizures

Diuretics

Prevent or manage problems with fluid buildup in the brain

Anticoagulants

Prevent blood clots and improve blood flow

Muscle relaxers

Control pain

Pain relievers

Control pain

Known Treatments for Brain Trauma

Depending on the severity of the brain trauma, there are a number of different treatment options available. For milder forms of brain trauma, such as concussions, treatment typically involves rest and relaxation until symptoms subside.

For emergencies of more severe forms of brain trauma like bleeding in the brain, surgery may be required to remove the blood and relieve pressure on the brain. Repairing skull fractures may also be necessary. Some treat symptoms of brain trauma to lower the risk of long-term problems by giving prescribed medications.

Contact a Minnesota Anterior Spinal Fusion Surgeon

Find out more about anterior fusion spinal surgery in Minnesota and schedule your appointment with Dr. Hart Garner today.
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