MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Spinal fusion

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Medical Encyclopedia

Spinal fusion - series: Incision

Spinal fusion - seriesIllustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indications

Incision

Procedure: Posterolateral gutter fusion

Interbody cage fusion

Pedicle screw

Different incisions are made depending on the area to be treated. The approach can be made either from the front (anterior), from the back (posterior), or both. A surgeon will study the patient's x-rays to determine which approach is best.

Update Date: 9/21/2006

Updated by: Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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