What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion is a medical process of uniting two or more spine vertebrae together to fuse as one solid bone. It also assists in removing the painful movement between bones in the spine and stabilising the spine, lessening pain brought about by ailments such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spine fractures, scoliosis, or persistent back strains.
In the process, the doctor inserts a bone graft or implants between the diseased vertebrae, which may be held in place with rods, screws, or plates to keep the spine stable until the bone heals. The natural bone merges with the bone graft, and with time, an extended stable segment of the spine is made.
It aims to reduce pain, restore stability, and enhance overall mobility, enabling patients to return to a more active lifestyle.
Types of Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): The surgeon accesses the spine from the front (abdomen) to remove the damaged disc and insert a bone graft or implant.
- Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): In this method, the spine is reached from the back, and bone grafts or cages are placed between the vertebrae.
- Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Similar to PLIF but performed from the side of the spine, allowing for less muscle disruption.
- Cervical Spinal Fusion: Aimed at treating neck-related spine issues by fusing cervical vertebrae for stability and pain relief.
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion: Uses smaller incisions, advanced tools, and less muscle damage, leading to quicker recovery and reduced hospital stay.
2-6 Hours
Surgery Duration
General Anesthesia
Anesthesia Used
6 to 8 weeks
Full Recovery
Signs You May Need Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery is recommended when back or neck pain becomes severe, long-lasting, and doesn't improve with medicines, physiotherapy, or other non-surgical treatments. It is often advised to restore stability, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As discs wear out with age, they can lose cushioning ability, leading to chronic pain. Spinal fusion can stabilise the affected area and ease discomfort.
- Herniated Disc: When the soft tissue inside a disc slips out and presses on nerves, it may cause intense pain or numbness. In severe cases, spinal fusion helps relieve pressure and restore normal function.
- Spinal Instability: Conditions like arthritis, spinal injuries, or weakness in the bones can cause vertebrae to move abnormally. Fusion surgery provides the necessary stability.
- Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities: In cases of abnormal spinal curvature, spinal fusion can correct alignment and prevent worsening of the deformity.
- Spinal Fractures: Accidents or osteoporosis may cause fractures that destabilise the spine. Fusion surgery can stabilise these fractures and reduce pain.
How to Prepare for the Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Getting ready for spinal fusion surgery is an important step that ensures a smooth procedure and faster recovery. At Medicover Hospitals, we guide you through every stage of preparation so you feel confident and well-informed before surgery.
Here are the key steps in preparing for spinal fusion surgery:
- Medical Evaluation: Your doctor will perform a detailed physical examination, review your medical history, and order tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to plan the surgery.
- Medications Review: Some medicines, such as blood thinners, may need to be stopped before surgery. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: If you smoke or consume alcohol, your surgeon may recommend quitting, as these habits can slow down healing and bone fusion. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can also support better recovery.
- Pre-Surgical Instructions: You may be advised to fast for a few hours before surgery and arrange for someone to accompany you to the hospital.
- Strengthening & Physiotherapy: In some cases, light exercises or physiotherapy sessions before surgery can help strengthen muscles and support quicker rehabilitation afterwards.
Procedure of Spinal Fusion Surgery
During spinal fusion surgery, bone grafts, screws, and rods are used to join vertebrae, stabilizing the spine and promoting bone healing.
- Anaesthesia: The surgery begins with general anaesthesia, ensuring the patient is completely asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
- Surgical Approach: Depending on the condition, the surgeon may access the spine from the front (anterior approach), the back (posterior approach), or from the side.
- Disc or Bone Removal: Damaged discs or bone fragments causing instability or nerve pressure are carefully removed.
- Bone Graft Placement: A bone graft (taken from the patient, a donor, or synthetic material) is placed between the vertebrae. This graft acts as a bridge that allows new bone to grow and fuse the vertebrae.
- Stabilisation with Implants: To hold the spine in the correct position while healing, the surgeon may use metal plates, rods, or screws for additional support.
- Fusion Process: Over time, the bone graft and natural bone fuse into a single solid bone, creating stability and reducing pain.
- Closure: Once the graft and implants are secured, the incision is closed with stitches or staples, and the patient is shifted to the recovery room for monitoring.
Who Performs the Spinal-fusion Procedure?
Spinal fusion is a complex surgical procedure aimed at stabilizing the spine, often performed when conservative treatments fail. It is typically treated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure the best outcomes. Here's a look at the experts involved in spinal fusion treatment.
Spinal Fusion Recovery Process
Recovery is gradual and involves physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and regular follow-up to ensure proper spinal healing
- Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. During this time, doctors monitor vital signs, pain levels, and the early stages of healing progress.
- Pain Management: Pain and stiffness are standard in the initial days. Medications and modern pain-control methods are provided to keep patients comfortable.
- Mobility and Physiotherapy: With the help of physiotherapists, patients are encouraged to begin gentle movements and walking soon after surgery to prevent stiffness and promote circulation.
- Bone Healing and Fusion: The graft is fused with the natural bone in a few months. Full spinal fusion may require 3 to 6 months, and in others, a year.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding heavy lifting, bending, twisting, or strenuous activities is crucial during recovery. Support braces may be recommended for added stability.
- Follow-Up Care: Consistent follow-ups and imaging tests are some of the ways through which doctors monitor the correct progression of the spine and stability of implants.
- Returning to Normal Life: Most patients return to light activities within a few weeks; however, complete recovery and resumption of an active lifestyle depend on the type of surgery and overall health condition.
Lifestyle Changes After Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Avoid heavy lifting, twisting, or bending until cleared by your surgeon.
- Follow prescribed physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your spine.
- Use proper posture and ergonomics during daily activities.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and fusion progress.
Benefits of Spinal Fusion Surgery
The surgery stabilizes the spine, reduces pain, corrects deformities, and restores function to improve quality of life.
- Pain Relief: Reduces or eliminates chronic back or neck pain caused by instability, disc damage, or spinal deformities.
- Improved Stability: Fusion provides strength and stability to the spine, allowing patients to perform daily activities more comfortably.
- Correction of Deformities: Helps in correcting conditions like scoliosis, kyphosis, or vertebral slippage.
- Better Quality of Life: Restores mobility, independence, and the ability to return to regular routines with reduced discomfort.
- Long-Term Results: Once fusion is complete, the treated segment remains stable, often eliminating the need for further surgery.
Risks of Spinal Fusion Surgery
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, blood clots, or lack of proper bone healing.
- Infection: There is a slight chance of infection at the surgical site.
- Blood Clots: Rare but possible, especially in the legs after surgery.
- Nerve Damage: Though uncommon, nearby nerves may be affected, causing numbness or weakness.
- Incomplete Fusion (Nonunion): In some cases, the bone may not fuse completely, requiring further treatment.
- Adjacent Segment Disease: Stress may develop on nearby spinal segments, leading to wear and tear over time.
- Pain Persistence: Some patients may continue to experience pain even after the procedure is completed.
What is the Cost of Spinal Fusion Surgery?
The cost of spinal fusion surgery in India generally ranges between Rs. 2,50,000 to Rs. 5,50,000, depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the type of implants used, hospital facilities, city of treatment, and the expertise of the surgeon.
040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
