You can be an eligible candidate for spinal fusion, if-

• You experience deformity in the spine, scoliosis.

• Instability of spine.

• Certain spine-related diseases such as tumors, herniated disks, etc.

The preparation for the treatment involves the general procedure that is followed before any kind of surgery, like-

• You will be asked for preoperative laboratory tests.

• The consumption of alcohol and smoking should be stopped.

• You must share your allergies to certain drugs with your doctor.

• You are advised to share your ongoing medications with your doctor as some changes can be made to the doses till the surgery is done and well-healed.

• During the surgery, you will be kept under general anesthesia and an incision will be made in the middle of your back or neck, depending on your condition. The size of the incision also depends upon the same.

• The additional bone can be taken from a bone bank or your own bone can be grafted that will be taken from the pelvis.

• For spinal fusion, the surgeon adds the bone graft in between the vertebrae. The surgeon may use metal plates or screws to speed up the process.

• After the procedure is done, sutures will be placed and the medical team will cover the incision with a bandage.

• You will be hospitalized for 2-3 days after the surgery before discharge.

• The doctor will instruct and warn you and your guardian about the signs and symptoms of infection. If you gain an infection, you will have to contact your doctor immediately.

• As the fusion of your bones can take several months to complete, you can go for physiotherapy sessions after 6 weeks to 3 months of the surgery to fasten the process.

• You will be asked to wear a brace for the stability of your operated bones.

• You will have to take regular physiotherapy sessions that will help you to limit the required movements of your spine and keep your spine aligned throughout all the activities.