A facet fusion procedure is a kind of surgical treatment for facet pain.
Facet pain can develop over the years as your spine’s facet joints begin to break down through normal wear and tear, or even a single traumatic episode. Facet pain is more commonly found in the areas of the spine where there is more movement, and usually occurs in the neck or lower back.
A facet fusion is performed to help stabilize the facet joint and stop it from rubbing the nerve, thus stopping the pain. This minimally invasive endoscopic approach allows for a quicker recovery time than traditional open back surgery.
A facet fusion is a treatment used to relieve a patient’s chronic facet pain when more conservative approaches aren’t helping. Dr. Alexander may recommend this procedure for patients who experience:
In a facet fusion, a small incision is made over the affected area of the spine, and a spacer is placed into the facet joint to stabilize it. This stops any nerve compression and helps ease any pain associated with it.
If your condition cannot be treated with more conservative methods like physical therapy or medication, you may want to talk with your specialist about a surgical option for treatment.
Most facet fusion procedures involve a short hospital stay — pain medication may be prescribed to relieve your discomfort. Strenuous physical activity is restricted for a few weeks after the procedure, and physical therapy is recommended to help restore mobility to the spine. Bone grafts can take up to a few months to completely fuse with the rest of your spine.
If you have questions about a facet fusion or would like to consult with Dr. Alexander on your spinal condition, please contact us today to set up an appointment!
