什么是脊柱融合手术？
脊柱融合手术is the most common surgical treatment for severe脊柱侧弯在青少年。严重的脊柱侧弯定义为45度或更高的曲线。脊柱融合手术也用于治疗严重Kybhosis（定义为75度或更多的曲线），脊柱骨折，和别的spinal abnormalities。
The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to correct the curvature, stabilize the spine, and, in the case of scoliosis and kyphosis, prevent further curvature of the spine. Stabilizing the spine can also restore lung function, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
脊柱融合手术如何工作？
在脊柱融合手术期间，外科医生用脊柱仪器和骨移植物稳定脊柱的弯曲截面。
- 仪器是指外科医生附着在脊柱异常弯曲部分的金属棒，钩子和螺钉，以便在直立位置稳定它。
- 骨移植是外科医生在异常椎骨周围包装的小骨片。这鼓励脊柱的这一部分愈合成坚固的骨头。这个过程类似于骨折的自然愈合过程。骨移植物可以在手术期间从患者的局部骨骼中取走，也可以来自医院的骨骼库。
Recovery from spinal fusion surgery usually takes six to 12 months. Once the bone has fused, the abnormal section of the spine will not curve further. The instrumentation usually remains in the spine without causing problems.
脊柱融合手术的不同类型是什么？
Posterior fusion，其中脊柱从后面进行操作，是最常见的手术特发性脊柱侧弯and神经肌肉脊柱侧弯。患者接受麻醉并入睡后，他们会轻轻卷起胃，并在背部切开切口。
- Most patients with idiopathic scoliosis do not need to wear a brace after posterior fusion surgery.
- 大多数先天性脊柱侧弯或脊椎滑脱的患者都有骨移植，但没有仪器，并且需要戴支撑，而手术后脊柱愈合。
前融合先天性脊柱侧凸和更常用吗Kybhosis。It is sometimes used in special instances of idiopathic scoliosis and severe neuromuscular scoliosis. After the patient receives anesthesia and has gone to sleep, an incision is made along a rib or down the side of the abdomen so that the surgeon can attach instrumentation to the spine. After a fusion of this type, patients usually have to wear a brace as their spine heals.
前后融合在某些特殊情况下是必要的。通常，这两项手术可以在同一天进行。但是有时必须在计划进行一两个星期的单独操作中进行。
脊柱融合手术后家庭应该期望什么？
不同的患者根据脊柱融合手术的不同速率恢复，具体取决于他们的手术类型以及涉及多少脊柱。
手术后的头几天
大多数患者在手术后几天留在医院。当他们遇到某些里程碑时，例如能够独自行走，洗澡和穿衣服时，他们的医生将带着指示将其净化，以继续在家中康复。
手术后的前几周
大多数孩子可以在脊柱融合手术后三到四个星期重返学校。但是，根据外科医生的建议，他们不应参加体育课或参加运动两到六个月。
手术后六到12个月
Within six months to a year, the fused vertebrae will heal into solid, stable bone. This section of the spine will no longer bend or grow beyond its current size. For this reason, most orthopedic surgeons delay spinal fusion surgery, ideally until after a child has reached their mature height. The vertebrae above and below the fused section of spine will continue to move and grow.
Once the patient has been cleared by their doctor, they can return to the activities they enjoyed before surgery. Their doctor may tell them to avoid contact sports like football and rugby.
