Pseudarthrosis after spinal fusion

Mechanism and manifestations

Persistent pain, motion at the operated site or hardware problems may raise suspicion. Postoperative pain does not automatically mean pseudarthrosis.

Diagnosis and management

The surgeon compares clinical progress with radiographs and sometimes CT. Optimizing healing factors, monitoring or revision surgery depends on the case. Traction and manipulation at the fusion require clearance from the team aware of actual union status.

Points to consider

The age of changes, symptoms and previous investigations help interpret abnormalities. After surgery, operated levels, implants and surgical restrictions matter. Recent deterioration should not automatically be attributed to ordinary wear or familiar stiffness.

Role of TAGMED care

This condition first requires medical diagnosis and, depending on the situation, specialist management. TAGMED services do not replace treatment of infection or tumor, stabilization of an unstable injury, or neurological or vascular treatment. Any conservative support should be considered only after diagnosis, restrictions and the treating team’s recommendations have been clarified.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Uncovertebral osteoarthritis — Degeneration of cervical uncovertebral joints that may produce osteophytes and contribute to foraminal narrowing.
• Kümmell disease — Delayed vertebral collapse after fracture, often associated with nonunion and an intravertebral cleft, frequently in the setting of fragile bone.

Medical references

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Spinal Fusion.
2. American College of Radiology / RSNA, RadiologyInfo. Spine MRI.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.