Is spinal fusion done with pedicle screw?

A pedicle screw passes through the strong bridge of bone at the back of a vertebra. Screws can connect to rods, helping maintain alignment and reduce movement across the level selected for fusion. They may be used with a cage, bone graft, or graft substitute, depending on the operation.

The number and position of screws depend on the spinal region, alignment, bone strength, nerve anatomy, and surgical approach. Hardware stabilises the area while bone healing develops; it does not remove every source of back or leg symptoms.

Ask which vertebrae will be instrumented, why screws are needed, and how the surgeon checks their position. Tell the team about osteoporosis, previous spine surgery, nicotine use, blood thinners, and new changes in strength or sensation.

Follow the lifting, bending, twisting, and driving limits after surgery. Walk as advised and report changes rather than trying to test the hardware with strenuous activity.

Call the surgical team for increasing wound redness or drainage, fever, worsening pain, or new tingling or weakness. Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, chest pain, or breathlessness.

Will pedicle screws and rods be used at every planned level? How will bone quality and nerve safety be assessed? What movements and loads are restricted, and how will you monitor fusion and symptoms afterward?