A facet fusion is a surgical option available for patients with chronic
back pain due to facet joint syndrome or spinal arthritis. With this procedure,
the vertebrae in the painful area are fused together to stop joint movement.
Eliminating joint movement stops the pain.
What are Facet Joints?
The facet joints of the spinal column are two joints between each of the
24 non-fused vertebrae that form the spine. These joints have a disc between
them, and they are surrounded by fibrous ligaments. The facet joints are
small, containing tiny amounts of synovial fluid that lubricates them
for joint movement. With injury, aging, or damage, these joints can become
painful and inflamed, particularly when the loss of lubrication creates
too much friction.
What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome is a back-pain condition in which an arthritic facet
joint causes pain and stiffness, can reduce flexibility, and make it harder
for you to perform your routine daily tasks.
Facet joint syndrome can be caused by aging, un-diagnosed
osteoarthritis, or prolonged alcohol and tobacco use. Facet joint syndrome is most common
in the lumbar region of the spine, but can still affect the cervical,
thoracic, or sacral vertebrae.
Who Is a Candidate for a Facet Fusion?
To find out if you’re a candidate for facet fusion, a consultation
with a spinal surgeon is needed. Patients who have been diagnosed with
facet joint syndrome,
osteoarthritis, mild to moderate
degenerative disc disease, or
spondylolisthesis where
conservative back pain treatments have not provided relief may be eligible for facet fusion. These conservative
treatment methods include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections,
muscle relaxants, and pain medicine.
In addition, you must have attempted physical therapy, spinal manipulation,
and traction for pain relief. Certain patients may not be eligible for
a facet fusion, such as people with uncontrolled diabetes, those with
a bleeding disorder, individuals with severe degenerative disease of the
discs and vertebrae, and persons with an active infection.
The Facet Fusion Procedure
After administering general anesthesia, the physician will clean the skin
near the affected vertebrae. Using a local anesthetic, the skin and deeper
tissues are numbed, which offers post-operative pain relief. A small incision
is made on the skin of the area, and the doctor creates a channel used
to access the bones. He then removed the damaged disc portions and replaced
them with bone graft material. The joints are fused together using the
disc material, which stabilizes the spine. The surgeon closes the incision
using sutures or steri-strips, and a bandage is applied over the area.
What Are the Benefits of Facet Fusion Surgery?
Facet fusion is a minimally invasive procedure and does not often result
in complications such as bleeding, nerve damage, or infection. With minimally
invasive spinal surgery techniques used, patients experience a quicker
recovery. After fusing the facet joints there will be no further mobility
or motion in this area, so joint pain is alleviated. Fusion provides the
relief needed, which allows patients to go about usual activities.
Another benefit of this surgery is that the facet fusion only takes 45
to 60 minutes to perform. Most patients only have to stay one night at
the hospital. Because there is little muscle or tissue manipulation, rehabilitation
is not painful or lengthy.
Preparing for Facet Fusion Surgery
For any spinal surgery, there are many things you can do to prepare for
your procedure to be ready for the surgery itself and your recovery period.
Beyond the items listed in our
back surgery planning guide, there are specific things you’ll need to prepare before your facet fusion.
Because you will need to recover after the procedure, you should do the
following:
Arrange to have a shower chair
Install handrails on the stairways
Remove all loose rugs from floors.
Arrange to have someone stay with you for a few nights after you come home
from the hospital
Have plenty of pre-made meals and water available
Before your procedure, you must fast for 8 hours. You can have your usual
medications with a small sip of water. Also, ensure you notify the doctor
if you are taking any agents that thin the blood.
How Effective is Facet Fusion Surgery?
In a recent radiological follow-up study, researchers assessed the efficacy
and safety rates associated with instrumented facet fusion of the lumbar
and lumbosacral spine regions. The clinical study involved 99 people with
degenerative disc disease who had been treated conservatively for more than 2 years.
The researchers found that after facet fusion, the 2-year success rate
was 96%, with a 99% efficacy rate for one-level fusion procedures. Overall,
the procedure was found to be a safe, simple, and effective option for
the treatment of patients with
degenerative spondylolisthesis and other spinal disorders.
Get Your Questions Answered
Inspired Spine has developed a patented procedure for patients that involves
less blood loss, faster recovery, and amazing pain relief. The facet fusion
surgery takes less than an hour, and most patients can go home the same day.
Call us today at
(952) 225-5266 to speak with one of our Patient Care Coordinators. Most
major insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare.
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After administering general anesthesia, the physician will clean the skin
near the affected vertebrae. Using a local anesthetic, the skin and deeper
tissues are numbed, which offers post-operative pain relief. A small incision
is made on the skin of the area, and the doctor creates a channel used
to access the bones. He then removed the damaged disc portions and replaced
them with bone graft material. The joints are fused together using the
disc material, which stabilizes the spine. The surgeon closes the incision
using sutures or steri-strips, and a bandage is applied over the area.
