What Is Spinal Fusion Done With?

Bone graft substitute is placed where new bone is intended to form between or alongside the spinal bones. Screws, often called pedicle screws when placed through the back part of a vertebra, can be connected by rods to hold the planned alignment. A PEEK spinal cage may sit in the disc space to help restore height, support the vertebral bodies, and contain graft material.

The combination varies with the spinal level, the reason for surgery, bone quality, alignment, and the surgeon’s chosen approach. Hardware holds the area steady while fusion develops; it does not itself make the bones fuse.

Ask your surgeon to show which level will be fused and identify the role of each implant on your imaging. Mention nicotine use, diabetes, osteoporosis, medicines, and previous abdominal or spine surgery because these can affect planning and recovery. Clarify movement restrictions, wound care, walking guidance, rehabilitation, and when follow-up imaging is planned. Do not change prescribed medicines without instructions.

After surgery, contact the team for increasing wound drainage, spreading redness, fever, uncontrolled pain, or new weakness or numbness. Seek urgent care for new bladder or bowel problems, severe leg weakness, loss of coordination, chest pain, or breathing difficulty.

Which graft, cage, screws, or rods are planned for me, and what is each part meant to do? How will my bone health and medicines affect the plan? What signs could suggest a wound, nerve, or implant problem after surgery?