Spinal Fusion
By Ashley Rodriguez
Orthopedic surgeons are surgeons whose primary focus is bones, joint ligaments, and muscles. Their education includes four years of undergraduate studies obtaining a bachelor’s, four years of medical school, and a five-year medical residency. Many of their procedures include hand, spine, hip, and knee surgery to name a few. In today’s article, I will be discussing a procedure called spinal (or lumbar) fusion, its process, and how patients prepare for this type of surgery.
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that includes two or more vertebrae being condensed into one solid bone without any space in between. During this procedure, a spare bone fills the space that is in between two vertebrae. After the healing process, there will no longer be space between them. For patients who experience back pain and have had no success with medication, this procedure may be an option. This procedure treats painful movement in the spine that may consist of tumors, disc disease, and spinal weakness.
To prepare for this surgery, patients must state their medical history, medication use, and substance habits to ensure a safe procedure. Patients must fast and not eat any food for at least 10 hours to prepare for deep sleep with anesthesia.
During this procedure, you will be monitored by your heart rate and blood pressure. There will be an incision on the bone that is used for spinal fusion. After this is complete, the surgeon will use tools such as plates and screws to make sure the spine does not move. This is known as internal fixation. These tools are also used to help the spine heal much faster. Complications from this procedure can include blood clots, reactions to medications or anesthesia, and infection.
During your hospital stay after the procedure, you can stay for up to a week, in which the doctors will watch your reactions to medication and anesthesia. Depending on your condition during your stay, your release may take longer than 3-4 days. Patients will be taught how to move and cope with their limited flexibility and a new diet. This diet restricts solid foods for several days.
A full recovery can range from 3 to 6 months. Many factors such as age and health will determine the recovery range. Once you’ve left the hospital, you can expect to wear a brace for proper posture and you will not be able to resume with daily activities until the bone is completely fused in its normal place.
Medical Equipment:
By: Noor Malhi
Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. You may be wondering what tools and equipment are being used inside the operating room. This article will educate you on the basic equipment!
Specialty orthopedic surgical instruments are used to treat abnormalities, and are commonly designed to manipulate bone and associated ligaments, tendons, and other tissues. Orthopedic surgeons mostly work on the hand and wrist, foot and ankle (podiatry), shoulder and elbow, arthroscopies (total joint restructuring), and hip and knee procedures.
The most common pieces of equipment used are: Hohmann retractors, Meals Tenolysis instruments, Lead and aluminum hand holders and tables, Self-retaining retractor systems, Elevators, Screwdrivers and removal systems, and Wire and pin instruments. All of these instruments work in magical ways to fix the issue, and each one has an important role in the surgery.
A Hohmann retractor is a hand-held retractor used in orthopedic surgery to pull soft tissues away from the operative field and expose the bony tissues being operated upon.
Meals Tenolysis surgical instruments are semi-sharp contoured blades that capture and slice tendon adhesions. The easy-to-use design reduces hand fatigue while maximizing access to tendon surfaces.
Lead hands and aluminum hands are malleable hand-shaped slabs that are used to position the hand during hand surgery. They can be used with either the left or right hand and are available in adult and pediatric sizes.
Self- retaining retractor systems are retractors that are used to hold an incision or wound open while a surgeon works. The retractor could also be used to hold tissues or organs out of the way during a surgery. Self-retaining retractors allow for a hands-free operation.
Orthopedic Elevators are blade-like surgical tools to lift periosteum off bone. Various sizes of high quality, stainless steel orthopedic elevators are suitable for use in hospitals, clinics and specialty facilities.
During orthopedic surgical procedures that aim to repair a broken bone or to secure two bone fragments, screwdrivers are used to secure screws in plates.
Wires and pins are used during orthopedic procedures to secure bone. Instruments preferred for wire and pin management are specifically designed to cut wires and pins while absorbing the impact of the cut.
Works Cited:
Spinal Fusions
- https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_an_Orthopedic_Surgeon.html
- https://www7.aaos.org/member/directory/definition.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/spinal-fusion-facts
- https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/bones-joints-and-muscles/orthopedic-procedures#:~:text=Common%20procedures%20and%20surgeries%20include%3A%201%20Arthroplasty%20is,joint%20pain%20and%20swelling.%20…%20More%20items…%20
- https://sr.gdprvalidate.de/redir/clickGate.php?u=8otB939m&m=12&p=3b121G4eNI&t=33&splash=0&s=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Ftests-procedures%2Fspinal-fusion%2Fabout%2Fpac-2038452
Medical Equipment:
- Corp., Millennium Surgical. “Orthopedic Surgical Instruments from Millennium Surgical.” Orthopedic Instruments | Millennium Surgical, http://www.surgicalinstruments.com/orthopedic-surgical-instruments-from-millennium-surgical.
2. “Orthopaedic Instruments.” Orthopaedic Instruments – Surgical Holdings, http://www.surgicalholdings.co.uk/orthopaedic/.
3. “Orthopedic Surgery.” The B2B Marketplace for Medical Equipment, http://www.medicalexpo.com/cat/instruments-tools-orthopedic-surgery-U.html.
Medical Wonders 