Spinal stabilization
Degenerative changes in the spine are affecting an increasing number of patients, especially before the age of 40. Changes in the lumbar spine are caused by a sedentary lifestyle at work or an excessive amount of hours spent in the car. One of the methods that can relieve pain is spinal stabilization.
Spinal stabilization – indications for surgery
The main indication for spinal stabilization is the pressure of the intervertebral disc on the nerve structures, causing pain. Symptoms include:
- sensory disturbances;
- lower back pain radiating to the leg;
- paresis of the lower limb.
Spinal stabilization involves fusing adjacent vertebrae to implants so that the bones fuse together. There are many types of stabilization and many specialised types of implants, the selection of which is individual for each patient.
The decision to perform spinal stabilization is made by a neurosurgeon on the basis of an MRI. The doctor may order additional imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan.
Spinal stabilization – the procedure
Once the patient has been cleared for the procedure by a neurosurgeon and has consulted with an anaesthetist, the procedure is performed in an operating room under general anaesthesia.
The surgeon enters the patient’s spine through the abdominal cavity (the so-called ALIF method). The operation itself consists of carefully introducing the screws into the shafts that require stabilization and inserting the implant between these shafts. The implant is supposed to provide the right distance between the shafts, thanks to which the bone union between the vertebrae will be stable.
In order to minimise the risk of damage to the nerve structures of the spine, the procedure is performed under constant visual and tactical supervision, as well as X-rays. The operation takes about two hours.
Spinal stabilization – post-surgery rehabilitation
After the spinal stabilization is performed, the patient must stay in the postoperative ward for 3 to 6 days. During this time the patient undergoes observation, but also begins rehabilitation. A qualified physiotherapist or nurse will help you sit up on the bed and get up within one day after the procedure. Remember: under no circumstances should you try to get up and out of bed alone!
Rehabilitation after spinal stabilization is necessary to achieve a full effect. For up to three months after the procedure, the patient should also take it easy: avoid bending, lifting or carrying loads, as well as driving. If necessary, the doctor will recommend wearing a stabilizing belt while walking in the postoperative period.
It takes 8 to 12 weeks to return to full activity after surgery.
Advantages of spinal stabilization
The greatest advantage of spinal stabilization is full access to the spine, i.e. complete intervertebral disc surgery. In this way, the neurosurgeon can recreate muscle lordosis.
A procedure performed using this method is much safer than classic spinal surgery, and the patient does not require very complicated rehabilitation.
