J Bone Joint Surg Am. 11th ed. Trends in lumbar spinal fusion A literature review. Patient satisfaction is low. "It is interesting to note that this test is often normal during postoperative follow-up, making it a great marker for diagnosis and successful treatment.". A prospective study comparing decompression with decompression and intertransverse process arthrodesis. L5 S1 fusion is major surgery whereby the L5/S1 disc is removed and the L5 and S1 spinal bones are stabilized by hardware. Walk frequently, to the limit prescribed by your surgeon. There is also a risk that the vertebrae may not fuse together following the surgery, called pseudoarthrosis. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Spine Fusion Post-Operative Care, Learn how bone growth stimulation therapy can help your healing process. Sandwiched between each of the spinal bones is a disc. Results: Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You? PMC HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help The hardware may be placed in the front (anterior) or the back (posterior) of the spine. Lumbar fusion involves screws, bolts, and plates that stabilize the spinal bones. 5. The hardware can also cause neurological damage. On the right, the yellow arrows point to dark healthy spine muscles that were present prior to the surgery. Sometimes, surgery on the spinal bones of the neck occurs from the front. The best way to avoid these complications is to avoid spinal fusion surgery. Obtain Long Term Pain Relief. A rigid fusion of the spinal bones prevents further growth in . NCI CPTC Antibody Characterization Program. Global Spine J. The likelihood of this result becomes even more frequent with fusions of three or more levels. You're not alone. Spinal instrumentation is a long-term remedy for spinal instability. "The maneuver, what I have termed the Mayo SI test, manipulates the SI joint in such a way that it can cause extreme pain in some patients," Dr. Cross says. Risks and side effects. The age, overall health, and physical condition of a patient influence how soon they recuperate and return to their normal activities. For procedures that require more bone, like a posterior fusion, the non-union rates are as high as 26-36% (5,6,). My passion and specialization are in the evaluation and treatment of cervical disc, facet, ligament and nerve pain, including the non-surgical treatment of Craniocervical instability (CCI). Why would a lumbar fusion fail? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Veritas Health, LLC, 520 Lake Cook Road, Suite 350, Deerfield, IL, 60015, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Complications, Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Technologies, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Surgery, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Video, Potential Risks and Complications of ACDF Surgery, ACDF: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, Specific Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon, What Causes Buttock Muscle Pain and How to Relieve it, Piriformis Syndrome: When the Symptoms Indicate a Medical Emergency, Massage to Reduce Buttock Muscle Pain from Piriformis Syndrome, Suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? VA is a recent patient seen in the clinic who experienced this complication. Measured with the visual analog of subjective pain assessment, patients' pain scores decline by roughly five points after implantation of the new device. doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-22-00080. Medical implants come in a variety of forms, sizes, and styles all of which are meant to treat spinal diseases in individuals of all ages. This content does not have an Arabic version. The results of the individual surgeon with ACDF surgery (meaning that the frequency of complications varies between surgeons), and; Individual patient risk factors, such as the condition of the disc, the patients physical condition (bone strength, diabetes, etc. Thankfully, most of the complications occur infrequently. The functional spinal unit is the comprehensive approach utilized at The Centeno-Schultz Clinic, in Broomfield, Colorado right between Boulder and Denver. First line treatment for SI joint dysfunction consists of nonoperative management, such as physical therapy, an SI joint belt, injections and anti-inflammatory medication. A blood clot can move through the circulation and end up in the lungs on rare occasions. This procedure is called anterior diskectomy and fusion. The risks of spine surgery include: damage to a spinal nerve unsuccessful treatment, which can lead to pain that persists after surgery a return of back pain, particularly after spinal. There are a number of problems that arise as a direct result of lumbar fusion itself. Office hours: 7am 5pm, Knee Hurts When I Bend It and Straighten It, Burning Pain on Outside of Knee When Kneeling, Muscle Pain After Cervical Fusion Surgery, Basal Joint Arthritis or CMC / Carpometacarpal Arthritis, Common Craniocervical Instability Symptoms, Perc-FSU Trusted Alternative to Spinal Fusion, Perc-ACLR - Regenexx Treatment for ACL Tear, Regenexx Non-Surgical Alternative to Cervical Fusion, Perc-CT SR Alternative to Carpal Tunnel Surgery, Non-surgical Disc Bulge or Herniated Disc Treatment, Regenexx Alternative to Ankle Fusion Surgery, Perc-CMC Alternative to CMC Joint Surgery. Connecting them prevents movement between them. The incidence of hardware failure in one study was an alarming 36% (4). This lasts 3-4 days on average. ), whether or not the patient smokes, and other factors. Reoperation rate after instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a report on 1680 cases, Adjacent Segment Disease After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Case Series of 1000 Patients. Trials. The incidence of hardware failure in one study was an alarming 36% (7). Make a donation. The patients discharge date is determined by their general health, the physicians procedures, and the patients response to the procedure. The dysphagia usually resolves within days, but there is a risk that it can last weeks to months. The doctor will want to monitor the patients reactions to the anesthetic and operation at first. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. Patients frequently need to wear a back brace after they leave the hospital to keep their spine in good alignment. Among the long-term side effects of spinal fusion, there a number of problems that arise as a direct result of lumbar fusion itself. "However, if the steroid doesn't work and SI fusion is anticipated, we wait three months because of the potential increased risk of infection with steroid use.". 1991 Jul; 73(6):802-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2071615/. These complications can be avoided by avoiding fusion surgery in the first place. 2022 Oct 17;9:983931. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.983931. This content does not have an English version. The same forces that can cause the hardware to break can also cause the screws to become loose. Office hours: 7am 5pm, Knee Hurts When I Bend It and Straighten It, Burning Pain on Outside of Knee When Kneeling, Muscle Pain After Cervical Fusion Surgery, Basal Joint Arthritis or CMC / Carpometacarpal Arthritis, Common Craniocervical Instability Symptoms, Perc-FSU Trusted Alternative to Spinal Fusion, Perc-ACLR - Regenexx Treatment for ACL Tear, Regenexx Non-Surgical Alternative to Cervical Fusion, Perc-CT SR Alternative to Carpal Tunnel Surgery, Non-surgical Disc Bulge or Herniated Disc Treatment, Regenexx Alternative to Ankle Fusion Surgery, Perc-CMC Alternative to CMC Joint Surgery, Spinal fusion in the United States: analysis of trends from 1998 to 2008, Functional results after anterior lumbar fusion at L5-S1 in patients with normal and abnormal MRI scans, Evaluating rehabilitation following lumbar fusion surgery, Failed back surgery syndrome: definition, epidemiology and demographics, Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. Lumbar fusion involves screws, bolts, and plates that stabilize the spinal bones. When spinal fusion is performed in the . For example, fusion may cause adjacent vertebrae to become less stable, resulting in further pain and discomfort. The spinal muscles provide critical stability and support for the spine. Your doctor recommended an L5 S1 surgery. Tell your health care provider about medicines you take. Tests say it may be cervical spinal stenosis. "We have seen patients ranging in age from their mid-30s to their 80s who have had degenerative changes in the SI joint after spinal fusion," Dr. Cross says. Patients who had disc herniation, stenosis, and DDD and underwent ACDF with or without decompression were prospectively enrolled and followed for a minimum of 10 years with outcome assessment at various intervals. 1991 Jul; 73(6):802-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2071615/. Even when spinal fusion relieves symptoms, it doesn't prevent future back pain. It views the spine and all its moving parts as a whole. Chang PY, Chang HK, Wu JC, Huang WC, Fay LY, Tu TH, Wu CL, Cheng H. J Neurosurg Spine. The doctor will want to monitor the patients reactions to the anesthetic and operation at first. Unlike a microdiscectomy for treatment of a lumbar disc herniation, with an ACDF there is little chance of a recurrent disc herniation because the disc is removed. Platelets are the bodys first line of defense against injuries. Baron EM, et al. Differing presentations of severe sacroiliac joint pain, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Back pain after back surgery: The SI joint and adjacent segment disease. Yes, spinal fusion can cause problems later in life. 2004 Nov 15;29(22):2516-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15543064. Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty versus Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Treatment of Symptomatic Cervical Disc Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Eight Prospective Randomized Controlled Trials. The yellow arrows point to the muscles that were injured and now are dead as a result of the fusion surgery. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Only after your doctor can establish the source of your discomfort will they offer spinal fusion surgery. These can include: blood loss. How long will the hardware last? PRP and stem cells are injected under x-ray and ultrasound guidance to promote healing and reduction in pain. A blood clot can move through the circulation and end up in the lungs on rare occasions. These. A spinal fusion is a common surgical procedure to fuse two or more bones of the vertebrae to form a single bone 13. So far, the outcomes are promising. Patients typically cannot resume routine activities until the bone has fused into place. an infection in . 2005;30(12):1441-5; discussion 1446-7. 1. You will not be aware of or experience any discomfort throughout the spinal fusion operation since it is performed under general anesthesia. If symptoms develop from the same disc level following surgery, it is usually because the bones did not successfully heal togetherwhich is called a nonunion or pseudarthrosis. Epub 2022 Dec 8. 1999-2023 Veritas Health, LLC. Kwon B, Kim DH, Marvin A, et al. Purpose of Scoliosis Surgery. What causes spinal fusion to fail? Between 1998 and 2008, the yearly number of lumbar fusion surgeries performed in the United States increased from 77,682 to 210,407 (1). Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Implant failure, particularly early after back surgery, is a sign of persistent severe spinal instability. During spinal fusion, a surgeon places bone or a bonelike material in the space between two spinal bones. Various procedures for doing spinal fusion surgery have been devised by surgeons. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1998; 80:941951. 2022 Oct 13;6(10):e22.00080. Consider the following results: In one study 53 patients were followed for an average of 20 months after fusion surgery. To better understand how to avoid lumbar fusions by using precisely guided PRP and stem cell injections please click on the video below. 1999-2023 Veritas Health, LLC. Unfortunately, lumbar fusion significantly compromises the health and integrity of these muscles. Singleton M, et al. Infection. Veritas Health, LLC, 520 Lake Cook Road, Suite 350, Deerfield, IL, 60015, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): What It Is and How to Avoid Pain after Surgery, Postoperative Care for Spinal Fusion Surgery, Scoliosis Surgery: Potential Risks and Complications, Treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Video, Diagnostic Studies, Patient History, and Physical Exams for Spinal Fusion, Additional Spinal Fusion Surgery Factors and Considerations, Back Surgery Video: How Spinal Fusion Stops Back Pain, What Causes Buttock Muscle Pain and How to Relieve it, Piriformis Syndrome: When the Symptoms Indicate a Medical Emergency, Massage to Reduce Buttock Muscle Pain from Piriformis Syndrome, Suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? FOIA Eur Spine J. A recent study looked at the effects of single-level lumbar fusion on spine muscle health (7). Abstract To determine the long-term effects of lower lumbar fusion, 94 subjects were catalogued from medical records. This is in turn can lead to spine instability and additional injuries including degeneration and arthritis. Spinal fusion is a major surgery where one or more of the spinal bones are fused together using screws, bolts, and plates. Spinal fusion is a major surgery where one or more spinal bones (vertebrae) are fused together using screws, bolts, and or plates. Lumbar spinal stenosis (adult). Some patients with this ailment have no symptoms, while others have back, neck, arm, or leg discomfort. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones, making them more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. Pain at the bone graft site. There is the possibility that the surgery is not successful in treating the pain and the symptoms return. The esophagus lies directly in front of the spine and needs to be mobilized and retracted during surgery, which can cause difficulty swallowing. Accessed Nov. 18, 2022. Your low back pain is crippling and has failed to respond to conservative treatments. 2022; doi:10.23736/S0375-9393.22.15933-X. The surgery is joining two bones together, so there is a risk for decreased range of motion, indicates the AAOS, but they note that most patients will not notice a difference. Spinal fusion may be recommended by your doctor to address the following conditions: Fill out the form below to schedule your FREE virtual consultation. The disc is an important shock absorber. PLIF, posterior lumbar interbody fusion is a case in point that has been reviewed in detail in a prior blog. Cell-based and PRP therapies are performed as outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home after the treatment. The most common risk of any of the modern spine fusion surgery techniques is the failure to relieve lower back pain symptoms following the surgery. Local autograft is when the surgeon takes bone from your spine. Blood clots. Poor wound healing. MeSH This stresses the importance of good post-operative wound care. 2.Tsutsumimoto T, Shimogata M, Yoshimura Y, Misawa H. Union versus nonunion after posterolateral lumbar fusion: a comparison of long-term surgical outcomes in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Non-union occurs when the spinal bones that are bolted together fail to fuse or grow together. It is important to note, however, that the absence of degenerative changes in the SI joint does not eliminate the SI joint as a potential pain generator.". The recovery period is generally six to eight weeks, with some people experiencing intense pain for several days or more following either the trial period or permanent implantation of the spinal cord stimulation devices. Paraspinal muscle changes after single-level posterior lumbar fusion: volumetric analyses and literature review. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Anterior cervical decompression and arthrodesis for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. government site. Learn more about the long-term effects of spinal fusion here. In addition, nerve damage is a rare, but possible long term effect of having a spinal fusion 13. Rajaee SS, Bae HW, Kanim LE, Delamarter RB. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. These synthetic materials aid to increase bone development and accelerating vertebral fusion. Pain at the graft site: A small minority of patients will have ongoing discomfort at the location of the bone transplant. Learn how we can help. A spine surgeon will use more bone, known as a bone graft, to encourage bone fusion. This offers new ways to securely walk, stand, and sit. All rights reserved. Spinal fusion: Spinal fusion is typically performed in more severe cases, especially when multiple levels of the spine are involved. Spinal stenosis surgery is a procedure performed to relieve pressure from the spinal cord and/or spinal nerve roots by removing structures from the spine, such as portions of discs, ligaments, and bone. When spinal fusion is done from the back of the neck, known as posterior cervical fusion, rods and screws are used to hold the bones together. As a result, spinal hardware might be utilized as an internal splint to keep the spine in place as it heals following surgery. The most significant side effect of this complication is that it is very difficult to complete conception. 6.Herkowitz HN, Kurz LT. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. (2) 2 years after lumbar fusion 40% of patients were unsure/dissatisfied with the outcomes reporting ongoing back pain and limited daily function (3) Another study demonstrated that the overall failure rate of lumbar spine surgery was estimated to be 10%46% (4). Dr. Cross notes that SI joints normally move less than 1 millimeter. 8600 Rockville Pike For an ACDF surgery, the main potential risks and complications that tend to occur include: By far the most common complication following surgery is difficulty with swallowing, medically known as dysphagia. This is a real problem and with an incidence of 9% (6). For example, the lowest disc in the low back is the L5/S1 disc. Therefore for the very best results, the spine and all its parts need to be evaluated and treated together. Global Spine J. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Complications With an L5-S1 Spinal Fusion, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, The AAOS recommends starting physical therapy, The Open Orthopaedics Journal: Risk of Complications in Spine Surgery: A Prospective Study, Harvard Medical School - Harvard Health: Turning Your Back on Back Surgery, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Low Back Pain Fact Sheet, Wang J., Dailey A., Mummaneni P., Ghogawala Z., Resnick D., Watters W., Groff M., Choudhri T., Eck J., Sharan A., Dhall S., Kaiser M. Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Preoperative adjacent-level disc degeneration, pseudarthrosis, and secondary operations were analyzed. What are the complications? The disc between the spinal bones is often times removed and replaced with bone or a spacer. All rights reserved. Learn How Bone Growth Therapy Can Help You, Get a Comprehensive Evaluation from Mayo Clinic's Spine Care Experts. The most common risk of any of the modern spine fusion surgery techniques is the failure to relieve lower back pain symptoms following the surgery. Br J Pain. This blog will focus exclusively on lumbar fusions. Outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: the role of interbody disc height, angulation, and spinous process distance. Conclusion: McGraw-Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. wound pain. This, in turn, can create spinal instability and pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2012;37:6776. "But with force transfer after spinal fusion, the SI joints can move a couple of millimeters," he says. Its time to free yourself from the pain and limitation. The spinal muscles provide critical stability and support for the spine. The image on the left is after the surgery. They then can fuse and heal as one bone. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the This is a real problem, with an incidence of 9% (9). 2008;17(8):11071112. It involves isolating platelets from the patients blood plasma, processing them, and returning them to the site of injury. 7.Harris IA, Traeger A, Stanford R, Maher CG, Buchbinder R. Lumbar spine fusion: what is the evidence. Are there regenerative alternative treatments? The low back muscles had gotten 50% smaller and weaker due to surgery. Patients frequently need to wear a back brace after they leave the hospital to keep their spine in good alignment. The L5/S1 disc is sandwiched between the L5 and S1 spinal bones. In your procedure, your spine surgeon may utilize one type of bone graft or a mix of them. Over time, living with chronic (long-term) pain can have serious or even severe consequences. Metal plates, screws or rods might hold the bones together. 2022. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149312. Some people may have a repeat of their initial symptoms. The age, overall health, and physical condition of a patient influence how soon they recuperate and return to their normal activities. 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago. Epub 2022 Nov 23. Lumbar fusion can be used to treat a number of painful and degenerative conditions in the low back. Screws are used in lumbar fusion to stabilize the spine. 2020; doi:10.21037/jss-20-492. Motion preservation treatments may result in improved long-term outcomes but need to be compared to long-term ACDF outcomes reference. The MRI is a cross-section image. There are significant forces placed on the low back and the hardware. This functional unit includes discs, facet joints, ligaments, fascia, and muscles. Research published in The Open Orthopaedics Journal in 2015 indicated that out of a sample size of 95 patients receiving spinal surgery, only 26 percent of those had complications, mostly minor 2. A prospective study comparing decompression with decompression and intertransverse process arthrodesis. The most common causes of a failed lumbar fusion are nonunion, hardware breaking, and hardware becoming loose. Absolutely! Vertebrae are the small, interlocking bones of the spine. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. 4. Surgery doesn't cure arthritis. "But with force transfer after spinal fusion, the SI joints can move a couple of millimeters," he says. This is to keep your spine properly aligned and reduce the risks of complications 2. ", Persistent abnormal motion in the SI joint can lead to premature degenerative changes. eCollection 2022 Oct 1. The greater the patients size and the more fused segments, the greater the risk of implant failure. Every surgery comes with a risk of complications 2. This offers new ways to securely walk, stand, and sit. 2004 Nov 15;29(22):2516-20. The result can be motor or sensory loss which might manifest as pain, weakness, desensitized touch, and bowel or bladder problems. This is done to eliminate uncomfortable motion or restore spinal stability. AskMayoExpert. The pain was so severe that you agreed to a lumbar fusion. Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. style=font-weight: 400;> After removing a damaged (herniated) disc, spinal fusion may be utilized to stabilize the spine. Every surgery comes with a risk of complications 2. United States trends in lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative conditions. PRP and cell-based therapies are promising options for lumbar disc replacement and spinal fusion. Image shows no significant joint degeneration. The most common include failed fusion where the bones do not properly fuse. Research has established that the SI joint is the source of pain in nearly half of patients who experience new or continued low back pain after fusion surgery. A Bibliometric Analysis of the Top 100 Cited Articles in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. Youll be laying down with a blood pressure cuff on your arm and a cardiac monitor on your chest during the treatment. If they break off and migrate to the lungs, they represent a serious threat. Dont let your low back pain limit your future. Although spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to stabilize and join two or more vertebrae together, it can still cause issues in the long run. When they take cells from the adipose tissue, it is called Minimally Manipulated Adipose Tissue (MMAT) transplant. For a few days, many patients may not be able to resume a typical solid food diet. It can take many months to fully recover from spinal fusion surgery 13. Harvard Medical School makes some suggestions for alternatives for spinal fusion, as they indicate spinal fusion is only helpful in approximately 50 percent of patients 134. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. PLoS One. His low back MRI is below and is most significant for the death of the critical low back muscles. Wang J., Dailey A., Mummaneni P., Ghogawala Z., Resnick D., Watters W., Groff M., Choudhri T., Eck J., Sharan A., Dhall S., Kaiser M. Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. This affects patients with large and progressive curves (over 70 degrees) that compress the lungs. However, spinal fusion, like any surgery comes with some risks. 2. "The SI joint is often glossed over as a pain generator, especially in people who have had spinal fusion and experience continued pain," says William W. Cross III, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. To reduce the risk of infection, antibiotics are given to the patient before, during, and after the operation. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. Mjset C, Solberg TK, Zwart JA, Smstuen MC, Kolstad F, Grotle M. Acta Neurochir (Wien). Spinal fusion has been used to manage a variety of disorders of the lumbar spine, including tumors, spinal instability, deformity and stenosis. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Hearing loss Blurred or double vision Sensitivity to light (photophobia) Nausea and vomiting Neck pain or stiffness Seizures When to see a doctor Tell your health care provider if you develop a headache after a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia especially if the headache gets worse when you sit up or stand. If the anterior devices were placed anteriorly (from the front), rather than through a. UCLA Alumni. J Pain Res. Implant failure, particularly early after back surgery, is a sign of persistent severe spinal instability. Journal of Spine Surgery. Return of symptoms. The technique the surgeon uses depends on where the bones to be fused are on the spine, the reason for the spinal fusion, and possibly, general health and body shape. The most common indications for L5 S1 fusion include: Low back disc degeneration Slipped disc (spondylolisthesis) Spinal Bone Fracture Recurrent Disc Herniation Pain radiating down leg (Sciatica ) Curvature (Scoliosis) Narrowing of the Canal (Stenosis) Failed Spine Surgery with Instability. Collectively about 1 in 10 patients who have a low back fusion will need a second surgery to fix non-union or hardware failure (5). Patients are taught new methods to move after surgery since their flexibility may be reduced. The Centeno-Schultz Clinic utilizes a Functional Spinal Unit approach whereby the discs, facet, ligaments, and muscles are all evaluated and treated when appropriate. An official website of the United States government. eCollection 2022. If your low back pain persists despite conservative care know that you have regenerative options. Robinson anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis for cervical radiculopathy. These issues are more likely to arise in the first few weeks following surgery. All statements and opinions are provided for educational and informational purposes only. In such circumstances, spinal fusion may be utilized to restore spinal stability. Possible complications include: Infection. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. , also known as spinal implants, devices, or hardware, involves the implantation of stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, or non-metallic items into the spine by surgical procedures.