Interspinous Fusion Specialist
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aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics
Brian K. Rich, MD
Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physician located in Wichita Falls, TX & Decatur, TX
If you’ve been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of your lower spinal column), interspinous fusion provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive form of treatment. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, interventional spine and pain management physician Brian Rich, MD, uses interspinous fusion to relieve spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and other similar issues. To make an appointment at the practice in Decatur, Texas, or Lawton, Oklahoma, call the nearest office today or book online.
Interspinous Fusion Q & A
What is interspinous fusion?
Interspinous fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves lower back and leg pain caused by issues like lumbar spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease.
Specifically, it involves Dr. Rich removing a small amount of bone and soft tissue from around a damaged or diseased vertebrae. This process, called decompression, reduces pressure on the nerves in your spine and relieves pain.
What are the benefits of interspinous fusion?
Interspinous fusion offers various benefits compared to traditional fusion techniques, including:
- Lasting relief from lower back pain
- Increased mobility
- Improved spine stability
- Minimal damage to the surrounding tissue
What’s more, interspinous fusion is an outpatient procedure, so you don’t have to spend even one night in the hospital.
What does interspinous fusion involve?
Interspinous fusion is an outpatient procedure used to treat degenerative disc disease or lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spine).
On the day of your operation, you change into an operating gown and lie face down on an exam table. Dr. Rich administers general anesthesia through an IV, putting you to sleep. Next, he makes a small incision over your affected vertebrae and carefully removes the damaged or diseased areas of tissue.
Afterward, Dr. Rich inserts a bone graft into the space. Then, he fuses a piece of metal to the weak portion of your vertebrae, providing additional stability. Dr. Rich then closes the incision.
Following your interspinous fusion, the graft encourages the growth of new, healthy bone tissue. That tissue integrates with the metal plate, increasing your spine’s stability while eliminating inflammation and pain.
What is recovery like following interspinous fusion?
Following interspinous fusion, many people experience immediate relief. In the days and weeks after the procedure, it’s normal to experience some increased sensitivity and swelling as well as minor discomfort. Follow Dr. Rich’s instructions closely, take your medication as prescribed, and attend each of your physical therapy appointments.
Is interspinous fusion safe?
Interspinous fusion is safe and usually well-tolerated. Like all surgical procedures, there’s a minor risk of infection or bleeding, but these issues are incredibly rare.
To see if you’re a candidate for interspinous fusion, make an appointment at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics by calling the nearest office, or clicking the online booking tool today.
