Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the small bones of the spine (vertebrae). It is essentially a "welding" process. The basic idea is to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This article is one in a series of patient safety topics that provide simple, easy-to-follow checklists for patients to follow as they prepare for orthopaedic surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks multiple joints throughout the body. Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are a number of treatments that can help relieve joint pain and improve functioning.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Osteoporosis is a disease of progressive bone loss associated with an increased risk of fractures. The term osteoporosis literally means "porous bone." The disease often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a fracture occurs.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Low back pain sometimes occurs after a specific movement, such as lifting or bending. Just getting older also plays a role in many back conditions. This article explains some of the more common causes of low back pain and describes some general treatment options.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur (thighbone). Most hip fractures occur in elderly patients whose bones have become weakened by osteoporosis. When a fracture occurs in a younger patient, it is usually the result of a high-energy event, such as a fall from a ladder.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Your arm is kept in your shoulder socket by your rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons to form a covering around the shoulder. When one of these tendons is torn, it may be painful to lift or rotate your arm.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A fracture is a broken bone. Treatment for a broken bone follows one basic rule: the broken pieces of bone must be put back into position and prevented from moving out of place until they are healed.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
