The conclusion is that fusion is still a good treatment for the painful post-traumatic arthritis ankle, the resulting functional disability being minimal.
Is a fused spine a disability?
If you have suffered from a spinal disorder that has resulted in you undergoing spinal fusion, but you are still unable to work, you may be eligible to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Can you work with a fused spine?
If you've had a spinal fusion but still can't work, you might be able to meet the requirements of one of Social Security's spinal disorders listings. Back surgeries and spinal fusions can be needed for many different reasons.
Can you get disability after spinal fusion?
If you have undergone a spinal fusion and you are disabled, the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) may be of assistance to you. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assumes that most individuals who have undergone a spinal fusion will recover within a one-year time period.
Is it hard to get disability after back surgery?
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn't recognize back surgery specifically as something that will get you a grant of automatic disability benefits, the pain caused by your surgery and your underlying back problems may be enough to get you SSDI or SSI disability benefits if you are unable to work.
What type of back problems qualify for disability?
To get disability benefits, you must have a “medically determinable” back impairment such as spinal stenosis, nerve root compression, herniated disc (if it's chronic and not treatable), or arachnoiditis.
What are the long term effects of spinal fusion?
One in three spinal fusion patients report back pain within 7 years of their surgery. Nerve damage, implant failure, joint degeneration and other complications can all cause chronic pain, which can severely hamper the patient's long-term quality of life.
What are the side effects of a spinal fusion?
Potential risks and complication of spinal fusion include:
What are the dangers of having a spinal fusion?
What Are the Risks of Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Can back surgery paralyze you?
Nerve injury and paralysis Some patients who have lumbar decompression surgery will develop new numbness or weakness in one or both legs as a result of the operation. Paralysis is an uncommon, but serious, complication that can occur as a result of lumbar decompression surgery.
Is a spinal fusion worth it?
Spinal fusion is typically an effective treatment for fractures, deformities or instability in the spine. But study results are more mixed when the cause of the back or neck pain is unclear. In many cases, spinal fusion is no more effective than nonsurgical treatments for nonspecific back pain.
What does a failed fusion feel like?
After any spine surgery, a percentage of patients may still experience pain. This is called failed back or failed fusion syndrome, which is characterized by intractable pain and an inability to return to normal activities. Surgery may be able to fix the condition but not eliminate the pain.
How often do spinal fusions fail?
Researchers believe that failed back surgery occurs in anywhere between 10% to 40% of lumbar laminectomy surgeries (with or without spinal fusion).
Can fused vertebrae be corrected?
Fusion is used to correct problems with the small bones of the spine. t's almost like a welding process where the painful vertebrae are fused together so they can heal into a single solid bone.
Can you feel the screws after spinal fusion?
“If the hardware is prominent under the skin the patient may feel a painful bump,” Dr. Lieberman explains. “If the hardware loosens or is irritating the surrounding tissue and nerves, the patient may feel pain or may feel and hear crepitus—a crackling sound or popping sound.”
Can you sleep on your back after spinal fusion surgery?
It is generally OK after back surgery to sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. Some prefer to sleep on one side or the other with a pillow between their knees and/or behind them to support the back.
How long are the screws used in spinal fusion?
Polyaxial pedicle screw length ranges from 30mm to 60mm (up to 2-1/2 inches). The diameter ranges from 5.0mm to 8.5mm (up to 1/4 inch). These screws are used to correct deformity, and/or treat trauma.
