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HomeReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureTechnical details Anesthetic Length of spine surgery for rheumatoid arthritis Recovering from surgeryConclusion

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Spine Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Edited By: Jens R. Chapman, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, December 29, 2004

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About the procedure

Technical details

The surgeon will expose the affected area of the spine through an incision in the back or occasionally in the front of the neck. Using a high-speed dental-type drill the diseased joints of the spine are then resected. A small bone graft is removed from the patient’s pelvis through a separate incision. Occasionally, bone graft substitutes derived from non-organic sources can be used instead. Under digital fluoroscopy (a form of "live" X-rays) precision drill holes are then placed into specific bony sections of the spine. These are then filled with small titanium screws and connected with rods or plates. Occasionally a supplemental cable is placed between adjacent bone segments to secure a bone graft. Should the spinal cord or nerves need to be decompressed, this is then usually performed under a microscope with specialized microscopic instruments. A meticulous skin closure is then performed to ensure rapid wound healing. Usually, a patient can then be mobilized within a day from surgery using a neck collar. Occasionally, patients with very poor bone stock (such as osteoporosis) may require immobilization with a Halo and vest (a graphite ring placed around the head and secured with posts to a body vest).

Anesthetic

A general anesthetic is essential for this type of surgery.

Length of spine surgery for rheumatoid arthritis

Depending upon the number of levels to be fused and complexities of decompression of neurologic structures, surgery takes between 2 and 8 hours.

Surgery for Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-6293 to make an appointment.

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