What is spinal pseudarthrosis?
Pseudarthrosis is a failed fusion—the bone graft did not grow to connect the vertebrae, creating a painful 'false joint' with motion.
Condition/Condition Details
Pseudarthrosis
Pseudarthrosis, or a non-union, occurs when a spinal fusion fails to heal into solid bone, resulting in persistent pain and instability.
Experiencing Pseudarthrosis Pain?
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About Pseudarthrosis
Pseudarthrosis, also known as a non-union or 'false joint,' occurs when a surgical spinal fusion fails to heal into a solid piece of bone. This allows for persistent, abnormal motion at the fusion site, which can perpetuate pain and cause hardware to loosen or fail. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our subspecialty surgeons combine advanced imaging, biologic therapies, and expert revision surgical techniques to achieve a solid fusion, relieve pain, and restore stability.
What Are the Symptoms of Pseudarthrosis?
Patients often experience persistent, deep pain at the original fusion site long after surgery. Grinding or clicking sensations with movement, continued radiating nerve symptoms, and an inability to wean from a back brace are key signs of a non-union.
Pseudarthrosis, or a non-union, occurs when a spinal fusion fails to heal into solid bone, resulting in persistent pain and instability.
Are There Specific Risk Factors for Pseudarthrosis?
Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for pseudarthrosis. Other factors include diabetes, malnutrition, chronic steroid use, vitamin D deficiency, and multilevel spinal fusions. These issues can interfere with the body's natural healing cascade.
Diagnosing Pseudarthrosis?
Diagnosis hinges on persistent pain and imaging that shows an absence of bridging bone months after surgery. We use complimentary thin-slice CT scanning to assess for bone bridging and implant integrity. Dynamic radiographs may also be used to reveal motion at the intended fusion site.
Treatment for Pseudarthrosis?
A persistent non-union requires revision surgery. This involves removing the old hardware, meticulously debriding the fibrous tissue from the 'false joint', and placing new bone graft material, often augmented with biologic enhancers like bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). New, more rigid hardware is then used to create a stable environment for the fusion to heal solidly.
Does Pseudarthrosis Cause Pain?
The pain from a non-union arises from micromotion at the failed fusion site and the resulting irritation of surrounding soft tissues and nerves. By re-establishing rigid stability and invigorating the bone's biology, our integrated approach transforms this chronic pain into dependable support and renewed confidence in movement.
What Can Patients Do to Prevent It?
To maximize the chance of a successful first-time fusion, it is critical to optimize risk factors. This includes strict smoking cessation, managing diabetes, ensuring adequate nutrition, and selecting the most stable fixation constructs during the initial surgery. Our team provides comprehensive peri-operative risk factor modification to maximize success.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If lingering pain or instability persists after a spinal fusion, schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics today. Receive a complimentary CT or MRI review and an expert second opinion to conquer pseudarthrosis and regain solid, pain-free function.
Locations Offering Evaluation
Our board-certified specialists offer pseudarthrosis evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat pseudarthrosis?
It requires revision surgery to clean the site, apply new bone graft (often with BMP), and typically replace/upgrade the hardware for better stability.
What are the signs of pseudarthrosis?
Signs include persistent back pain that never went away after surgery, or clicking/popping sounds from the hardware.
Why did my spinal fusion fail?
Risk factors include smoking (nicotine inhibits bone growth), diabetes, steroid use, or excessive motion at the surgical site during healing.
Is revision surgery successful?
Yes, but it is more complex. Using advanced biologics (stem cells/BMP) and stricter post-op protocols improves the success rate of the second attempt.
