Back Fusion Surgeries
Back fusion surgeries are designed to assist injured victims with limiting the pain they experience due to joint issues that were caused by some sort of accident or trauma. There are many different types of fusions that are used to help individuals with back injuries, including but not limited to lumbar fusions and cervical fusion/ACDF.
The following information is provided to help educate those considering back fusion surgery; however, it is not intended to take the place of a doctor’s advice. Contact a physician with any questions about your specific medical condition.
Lumbar Spinal Fusions
There are several ways to perform a lumbar spinal fusion. Still, whatever approach the surgeon takes will involve: bone grafting to add bone to a portion of an individual’s spine; establishing a way for the bone to grow between the vertebral elements in order to create the fusion; and the resulting fusion that consists of a fixed bone replacing a mobile joint, stopping motion at that specific joint segment.
Lumbar fusions are often considered for individuals suffering from lumbar spondylolisthesis or lumbar degenerative disc disease, particularly if they are experiencing excessive and abnormal motion at a vertebral segment that causes them an inability to function and substantial pain. Individuals with unstable or weakened spines, such as those with a deformity, fracture or scoliosis, might also benefit from fusion surgery.
Cervical Fusion/ACDF
A combined surgery known as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) typically involves a removal of one’s cervical herniated disc to relieve nerve root and spinal cord pressure which, in turn, helps to alleviate related weakness, pain, tingling and numbness. Discectomies are a type of surgical decompression and fusion surgeries are almost always performed at the same time as these types of discectomies in an effort to stabilize the cervical segment at issue.
Such surgeries might be performed on individuals suffering from cervical degenerative disc disease, as well as bone spurs related to arthritis and cervical spinal stenosis. Click here to learn about ACDF as it also relates to resolving neck issues.
Risks Associated With Back Fusions
A primary risk associated with fusion surgeries is the failure to actually alleviate a person’s pain symptoms after the surgery. According to Spine Health, such risks exist in at least 20 percent of all spine fusions, and there is an increased likelihood of such failures occurring in fusions involving three or more levels.
Additionally, in some situations (between 5 and 10 percent of fusions), the vertebrae might not fuse together after the surgery -- an outcome that is known as pseudoarthrosis. All fusion surgeries come with potential risks and complications. That said, individuals contemplating fusions are strongly encouraged to speak with their physicians and surgeons to ensure they make informed decisions and obtain detailed information as it relates to their specific ailments.
How IFN Can Help Individuals Undergoing Back Fusion Surgeries
For well over 10 years, Injury Funds Now (IFN) has been providing injured victims with Florida lawsuit loans* to assist them with ongoing bills as they continue to heal and await case resolution. Recovery from a back fusion can take several months, which could mean a lack of income for an extended period of time due to an inability to work.
The process is simple and once you apply and get approved, payments are typically issued the same day. There are no risks involved and the funds provided could go a long way in helping you and your family meet your financial obligations. Whether you are in Florida or any of the many other states we service, IFN is here to help. Apply today to learn more.
*DISCLAIMER: The term "loan" or "loans," where used to describe lawsuit funding is not an accurate legal or financial definition of the transaction. IT IS NOT A LOAN. The transaction is a non-recourse purchase of a portion of the proceeds of a potential future case award or settlement. A loan is a transaction that always requires repayment. Our lawsuit funding only requires repayment if the plaintiff receives a favorable recovery. If the plaintiff loses their case, they do not repay anything.
