Spinal deformities can be severely limiting. Pain, reduced mobility, breathing issues, and insecurities make it difficult for people to maintain the lifestyles they desire. Fortunately, a permanent solution exists. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides thoracic spinal fusion and other spine procedures near you in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Here, we explore how thoracic fusion can correct spinal deformities for pain-free living.
Key Takeaways
- Thoracic spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, are abnormalities in the spine’s structure. They can be congenital, degenerative, or post-traumatic.
- Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to correct spinal deformities and misalignments.
- Thoracic spinal fusion takes several hours to complete. It provides long-term relief from spinal deformity symptoms at the cost of some spine mobility.
Understanding Thoracic Spinal Deformity
The spine’s natural curvature is important to its function. Viewed from the side, the spine should have a shallow S-curve from front to back. Viewed from the front, the spine should be perfectly straight and symmetrical. This shape ensures that the body is supported and the organs have room to function.
Thoracic spinal deformity refers to any abnormality in the spine’s shape in the mid-back (thoracic) area. The most common types of thoracic deformity are scoliosis, where the spine curves to the side, and kyphosis, where the spine curves too far forward, creating a hunchback. Both types can have multiple causes, including:
- Congenital: The spinal deformity is present at birth due to abnormal development. Congenital deformities can get worse over time.
- Degenerative: The spinal deformity appears in late adulthood, caused by lifelong wear and tear to the spinal discs and vertebrae.
- Post-traumatic: The spinal deformity is caused by a spinal injury or past surgery that healed incorrectly, altering the spine’s shape.
Mild deformities cause few symptoms and may not even be noticeable. Patients with severe deformities, however, may experience pain, chronic fatigue, reduced mobility, and difficulties breathing. Deformities also cause visible abnormalities that may impact a person’s body image, leading to insecurity, mental health issues, and an unwillingness to participate in certain activities.
What Is Thoracic Fusion for Deformities?
Thoracic spinal fusion is a surgery to fuse two or more vertebrae into a single bone. The spinal discs are removed and replaced with cages filled with bone graft material. The vertebrae are then stabilized using a system of pins and rods. Over time, the body heals the graft and hardens it into new bone material. The result is an immobile but super-strong bone composed of several fused vertebrae.
Spinal fusion is used to treat many different conditions, including spinal deformities. When fusing bones together, surgeons can correct their alignment. The vertebrae fuse into the correct shape, relieving symptoms of the spinal deformity.
Thoracic Fusion Step by Step
Thoracic spinal fusion is performed under general anesthesia, meaning that patients sleep through the procedure. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, surgeon Dr. Branko Skovrlj or Dr. Robert J. Rothrock performs these steps:
- Makes a one-to-two-inch incision on the patient’s side or back
- Navigates around soft tissue to access the spine
- Removes one or more spinal discs
- Fills the gaps between vertebrae with graft material from the patient’s body or a donor bank
- Stabilizes the vertebrae and corrects their alignment with metal hardware
- Closes the incision with stitches
The operation takes several hours. Afterward, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days until they can eat, drink, and walk safely.
Recovery and Outcomes After Thoracic Fusion
Once the patient is cleared to go home, they are given instructions to continue their recovery. Patients need to protect their surgical dressing and limit their physical activity, though short walks can be helpful to promote healing. Short-term recovery takes four to six weeks. Complete fusion recovery may take a year or more. Patients should avoid heavy lifting and other intense activities until the surgeon confirms that their spine has stabilized.
Thoracic fusion does reduce the spine’s mobility. For most patients with severe deformities, however, mobility is already limited. This loss is considered worth it in exchange for the long-term relief that fusion provides. Patients experience less pain, prevent organ damage, and regain a normal appearance, helping them get back to carefree lives.
Find Thoracic Deformity Treatment Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida
Don’t let a thoracic deformity hold you back. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, where we specialize in performing advanced procedures like thoracic fusion to treat complex issues. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thoracic Spinal Fusion
How long does thoracic fusion surgery take?
The length of a fusion operation depends on its complexity, but most take several hours.
Will thoracic fusion limit my ability to bend and twist?
Yes, fusion will limit your ability to bend and twist.
How long does it take a thoracic fusion to heal?
Surgery site healing takes several weeks, though the bone may not fully fuse for up to a year.