Deuk Spine

Why is Spinal Fusion recommended by some spine surgeons? ( Get the picture of doctor recommending with a model of fused spine)

Radiculopathy (nerve root dysfunction) from compressed/pinched nerves
Sciatica (pain down leg to foot) from compressed/pinched nerves
Cauda Equina Syndrome (poly radiculopathy) from compressed/pinched nerves
Deformity: Kyphosis, Scoliosis, Listhesis
Fractured spine
Spinal instability
Spinal stenosis
Recurrent disc herniation
Strong financial incentives for spine surgeons and hospitals

How is Spinal Fusion performed?

Why should Spinal Fusion be avoided?

Highly invasive: large incision and excessive cutting of normal tissues between skin and spine during Spinal Fusion.

Excessive and unnecessary bleeding during and after surgery from tissue trauma by the surgeon.

Destruction of normal stabilizing bones including lamina and spinous process by the surgeon during TLIF Spinal Fusion.

Destruction of normal stabilizing ligaments including longitudinal, supraspinous, interspinous and ligamentum flavum by the surgeon during Spinal Fusion.

Destruction of normal muscles around the spine by the surgeon during Spinal Fusion.

Excessive scar tissue forms around the spine and nerves after Spinal Fusion.

Complications are common after Spinal Fusion.

Spinal instability is common after Spinal Fusion.

Disc herniations and degenerated discs are not treated properly when Spinal Fusion is performed. The source of back pain (inflammation) is not removed. Untreated posterior annular tear and herniation is the most common cause of back and leg pain after Spinal Fusion.

Stenosis either persists or reoccurs commonly after Spinal Fusion and will require additional surgery.

Adjacent segment disease is common after Spinal Fusion and requires additional surgery.

Excessive postoperative pain always occurs after Spinal Fusion due to soft tissue injury, muscle trauma and necrosis all caused by the surgeon. During TLIF and lateral Spinal Fusion the muscles are torn off the spine to get down to the disc. The dying back muscles cause severe postoperative inflammation and pain that always requires opioid painkillers and muscle relaxers. Opioid painkillers are highly addicting, cause tolerance, abuse and even death from breathing failure.

Spinal Fusion is generally not performed to treat back pain.

Back pain often becomes worse after Spinal Fusion. Pain management will be recommended indefinitely.

ALIF has the highest chance of complications including bowel perforation, vascular injury and sexual dysfunction.

Long operating times are needed for Spinal Fusion.

General intubated anesthesia is needed for Spinal Fusion.

Additional surgery will be necessary in over 90% of patients having Spinal Fusion.

Recurrent disc herniation is common after Spinal Fusion.

Most Spinal Fusion patients end up in pain management after surgery.

What complications occur with Spinal Fusion?

Nerve root damage

Spinal fluid leak

Infection: discitis, osteomyelitis, blood, spinal fluid, lungs, bladder & kidney

Recurrent disc herniation

Residual stenosis causing leg or arm pain and pinched nerves.

Hardware failure: screw loosening, broken screw or rod, cage migration

Proximal junction kyphosis and failure

Vertebral fracture, subsidence, telescoping of implant

Adjacent segment disease, spinal instability

Deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, pneumothorax

Failed back surgery, chronic pain

Sexual dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation

Excessive scar tissue formation

Heterotopic ossification, osteonecrosis

Death

Excessive radiation exposure

Allergic reactions

Spinal Fusion

Why is Spinal Fusion recommended by some spine surgeons? ( Get the picture of doctor recommending with a model of fused spine)

How is Spinal Fusion performed?

Why should Spinal Fusion be avoided?

What complications occur with Spinal Fusion?

What is the best alternative to Spinal Fusion?

Deuk Laser Disc Repair®