Spinal Fusion Surgery

What is Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is a surgical treatment used to treat abnormalities in the tiny bones of the spine (vertebrae). Essentially, it is a welding process to connect two or more vertebrae so they can heal into a single, solid bone. This is done to stop uncomfortable motion or to provide spinal stability.

Doctors typically recommend spinal fusion only after identifying the cause of discomfort using imaging procedures such as:

X-rays
CT scans
MRI scans

Why Spinal Fusion Surgery is Done

Spinal fusion is used to:

Reconfigure the spine (e.g. scoliosis)
Increase spine stability in conditions such as severe arthritis
Stabilize the spine after a damaged disc is removed

Multi-levels of Spinal Fusion

One level fusion: Joins 2 vertebrae (e.g., L4-L5)
Two-level fusion: Joins 3 vertebrae (e.g., L4-L5 and L5-S1)
Three or more levels: Rare; done mainly for scoliosis or deformities

Types of Spinal Fusion Surgery

Lumbar fusion: For degenerative disc changes
Cervical fusion: Due to greater motion/stress in the neck
Thoracic fusion: Usually for injuries or deformities

Procedure

Before Surgery

Full health checkup: blood tests, ECG, X-rays, scans
Stop blood thinners 2 weeks prior
Smoking cessation is advised

During Surgery

Step 1: Patient positioned and anesthesia administered
Step 2: Incision made; access to the spine via open or minimally invasive methods
Step 3: Bone grafting using one of the following:

Allograft (donor bone)
Autograft (patient’s pelvic bone)
Synthetic bone substitute

Step 4: Immobilization using rods, screws, or plates
Step 5: Incision closed; brace may be prescribed

After Surgery

Hospital stay: 2–3 days
Pain managed with medication
Bracing and posture support as needed
Physical therapy to assist recovery
Recovery time: 3–6 months
Full recovery: ~12 months

Diagnostic Tests

MRI (disc issues, nerve condition)
CT scan (joint and bone structure)
X-ray (arthritis/injury check)
Bone scan (cancer rule out)
Myelogram, Electromyogram

Factors Affecting Spinal Fusion Surgery Cost

Medication
Treatment duration
Location
Hospitalization expenses
Government subsidies
Hospital infrastructure
Doctor expertise
Diagnostic procedures
Treatment choice

India offers advanced medical services at affordable costs, with hospitals accredited by NABH and JCI.

What to Look for When Choosing a Hospital

Quality certificates and accreditations
Location and transport
Expert surgical teams
Advanced equipment
International patient services

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is spinal fusion?
A: Surgical fusion of two or more vertebrae for stability and pain relief.

Q: What conditions require spinal fusion?
A: Degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, fractures, kyphosis, scoliosis, and tumors.

Q: What are symptoms of displaced vertebrae?
A: Back pain, stiffness, numbness, paralysis, weak legs, gait issues.

Q: How long does spinal fusion surgery take?
A: 2–3 hours for a single-level fusion.

Q: What are the risks?
A: Nerve damage, graft rejection, infection, bleeding, DVT, pseudarthrosis, adjacent segment disease.

Q: Signs of infection post-surgery?
A: Redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage, fever.

Q: Recovery period?
A: Sedentary work in 3–6 weeks; active work in ~12 weeks.

Q: Success rate?
A: 70–80% for pain relief.

Q: What affects success?
A: Surgeon skill, diagnosis, and patient health. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis lower success odds.