Cervical Fusion

Cervical Fusion services offered in Wasilla, AK

If you suffer from degenerative disc disease, a spinal deformity, or neck trauma, a cervical fusion can provide stability and relieve pain. The board-certified physicians at Pioneer Peak Orthopedics utilize their extensive experience in surgery and rehabilitation to treat your condition and improve your overall quality of life. To schedule a consultation, call the office in Wasilla, Alaska. You can also drop in at the practice’s orthopedic walk-in clinic.

What is cervical fusion?

Cervical fusion is a surgical procedure that involves joining two or more vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). By connecting the bones, physicians can prevent movement in a particular part of the neck. It is typically performed to relieve pain, instability, or nerve compression in the neck.

When is cervical fusion beneficial?

Fusing two or more bones in the neck can be helpful if you have severe neck pain. Pioneer Peak Orthopedics will typically start you off with conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, and medications, but if these measures don’t relieve your pain, you can review surgical options like cervical fusion.

If your pain is related to bone spurs, herniated discs, or spine damage, this procedure may go hand-in-hand with surgery to remove or replace damaged tissue.

What can I expect from a cervical fusion procedure?

Before surgery, your Pioneer Peak Orthopedic team thoroughly evaluates the severity, location, and source of your pain to determine the best way to proceed. When your surgery date arrives, anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Your surgeon makes a small incision to access the vertebrae, then places a bone graft between them to fuse the bones as they heal. They can also use synthetic material instead. Depending on the complexity of your procedure, it may take 1-4 hours, and then you will move to a recovery room.

Plan to remain under observation for 2-3 days so your provider can monitor you.

What is recovery like after cervical fusion?

Recovering from cervical fusion will take some time. It may take several months to feel completely yourself again, and you’ll likely be quite stiff and sore, with limited mobility, for the first few weeks after surgery. You can wear a brace while you recover to keep your spine properly aligned.

The team outlines a detailed post-surgery plan that includes physical therapy and rehabilitation to help you regain strength and range of motion.

If your neck pain isn’t responding to treatment, talk to the Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team about whether cervical fusion might be the right option for you. Call the office or visit the orthopedic walk-in clinic today.