What is a non union cervical fusion?

What is a non union cervical fusion?

Nonunion is a serious complication of cervical fusion surgery. It occurs when the cervical bones detach to such an extent that the stability and the blood flow of the bone are impaired. Risk factors of nonunion include: Smoking or tobacco use.

What is a non union Fusion?

A non-union refers to a failed spinal fusion (pseudoarthrosis) in which the segments of vertebral bone do not merge over the disc space.

What happens if your cervical fusion does not fuse?

If the fusion doesn’t happen as it should (pseudoarthrosis), the screws can loosen. These loose screws will show up with a ring around them—a halo formation—on the x-ray or CT scan. A halo formation is a good way to tell if your vertebrae have not fused.

What are the symptoms of failed cervical fusion?

Symptoms

• Smoking.
• Formation of scar tissue.
• Recurring or persistent disc disease at adjacent levels.
• Continued pressure from spinal stenosis.
• Instability or abnormal movement.
• Pseudoarthrosis or failure of the fusion.
• Nerve damage within the nerve, arachnoiditis.

Can failed neck surgery Be Fixed?

But, in rare cases, your surgeon may opt to perform a revision surgery (or second surgery) to treat failed back surgery (also known as FBS, failed back surgery syndrome, FBSS, and post-laminectomy syndrome). In rare situations, a second cervical spine surgery may be necessary to treat neck pain.

What can go wrong with Acdf surgery?

Conclusions:Complications attributed to ACDF included; dysphagia, hematoma, worsening myelopathy, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, CSF leaks, wound infection, radiculopathy, Horner’s Syndrome, respiratory insufficiency, esophageal perforation, and instrument failure.

What causes a nonunion Fusion?

Causes. Nonunion is a serious complication of lumbar fusion surgery. It occurs when the lumbar bones detach to such an extent that the stability and the blood flow of the bone are impaired. Controlling risk factors can prevent the chance of developing a nonunion.

What is a non union spinal fusion?

Pseudarthrosis or nonunion is the failure of complete spinal fusion and healing. Often, patients report resolution of their symptoms right after their spinal surgery. Unfortunately, several months after their fusion, patients typically experience return of their axial neck or back pain.

Can you ruin a cervical fusion?

Can You Damage a Spinal Fusion? Yes, you absolutely can. While methods for spine surgery have significantly improved over the years, a patient’s recovery still depends on their own diligence and dedication, so following the Dos and Don’ts of spinal fusion recovery is a must.

Can you mess up a cervical fusion?

While uncommon, as with all surgery there are a number of risks and potential complications that can occur as a result of a cervical decompression and fusion surgery, including: Hemorrhage or formation of a wound hematoma. Damage to the carotid or vertebral artery resulting in a stroke or excessive bleeding, even death.

What is the nonunion rate of cervical fusion?

The rate of nonunion in posterior lumbar interbody fusion ranged from 6% to 27%. 37 For cervical fusions, the nonunion rate has ranged from 0% to 26%. 10 The rate of nonunion increases with increasing levels of spinal intervals that are bridged.

What are the causes of non-union in spinal fusion?

Causes of Non-Union. A non-union occurs when a spinal fusion procedure fails and the vertebral bones do not fuse together successfully. The goal of a spinal fusion is to stabilize the spinal column and provide support to any degenerative vertebra. This is done through a bone graft typically.

What are the nonoperative options for nonunion fusion?

Patients who are pain-free without instability may not require treatment of their nonunion. Nonoperative treatment options include wearing a brace and electrical stimulation of the nonunion site. Operative treatment options include repeat anterior and/or posterior fusion with or without instrumentation.

How to avoid a non-union after spine surgery?

Here are a few simple tips to avoid a non-union after your spine surgery: Refrain from smoking. Lose weight if necessary and exercise regularly. Communicate with your surgeon. Your surgeon will be monitoring your recovery closely after surgery.