Stage 1: Initial Diagnosis and Decision-Making
Interactive Spine Model
Use + and - buttons to zoom, or click directly on spine elements for details
About This Stage
The journey begins with identifying the spinal condition that may require fusion. This typically involves:
- Initial consultation with primary care physician or specialist
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
- Conservative treatment attempts
- Specialist referrals
- Surgical consultation and decision-making
Common Conditions Leading to Fusion
- Degenerative disk disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Scoliosis
- Fractures
- Tumors
Diagnostic Process
Diagnosis typically involves physical examination and imaging studies:
- X-rays: Show bone alignment and can reveal fractures, tumors, or deformities
- MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues including discs, nerves, and spinal cord
- CT scan: Offers detailed bone imaging and can help plan surgical approaches
- Myelogram: Special X-ray or CT scan after dye injection to highlight spinal cord and nerve compression
Healthcare Team
👨⚕️
Primary Care Physician
Stage 2: Preoperative Preparation
Stage 3: Surgical Procedure
Stage 4: Hospital Recovery
Stage 5: Early Home Recovery (Weeks 1-4)
Stage 6: Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 5-9)
Stage 7: Advanced Recovery (Weeks 10-24)
Stage 8: Long-term Recovery and Maintenance
