What Is Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is when a surgeon joins two or more vertebrae of the spine. Different kinds of hardware are placed along the spine to hold the vertebrae together. Over time, a fusion forms with the hardware creating one solid segment.

What Conditions Does Spinal Fusion Treat?

Some of the most common conditions spinal fusion treats include

• Spinal stenosis: A degenerative process that decreases space within the vertebrae and can pinch your spinal cord or nerves. This condition develops due to wear and tear over time.
• Disk herniation: A problem that may occur with one of the disks that sits between the vertebrae. This typically happens in the lower back but can occur in any part of the spine.
• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where a vertebra slips out of place, putting pressure on the bone below it.
• Scoliosis: A sideways curve of the spine that can develop during adolescence or later in life which may worsen with time.
• Tumors: Growths of any kind that can cause pain, neurological problems, and sometimes paralysis. Reconstruction or stabilization of the spine may be needed after the removal or treatment of a tumor.
• Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections that may travel to the spine from elsewhere in the body. Symptoms such as pain, fever, and redness or swelling may occur.
• Fractures: Typically caused by osteoporosis or trauma from falls, sports, or car accidents.

For some conditions, your surgeon may recommend an artificial disk replacement instead of spinal fusion to preserve your motion. You can speak with your surgeon about the best option for you.

Approaches to Spinal Fusion

Depending on your surgeon’s preference and the complexity of your condition, we use different approaches to spinal fusion.

• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Our surgeons will access the spine through an incision made in the lower abdomen to place hardware.
• Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Access to the spine will be made through an opening between vertebrae. An incision is made in the lower back to place hardware.
• Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF): The spine is accessed through an incision in the side and front of the body to place hardware.

Minimally Invasive

Many of our surgeons are trained to use intraoperative navigation systems and robotics to perform minimally invasive surgeries. For eligible patients, a minimally invasive surgery usually means a shorter recovery time and less pain. The technology can also increase the accuracy of the hardware placement.

Preparing for Spinal Fusion

To prepare you for surgery, we’ll schedule a pre-admission appointment where we’ll do any required testing. From there, a hospitalist will review any medications needed and make sure you are safe to continue with the surgery.

You will also attend a class before your surgery where you’ll learn what to expect before, during, and after your hospital stay.

After Spinal Fusion

In some cases, patients can go home on the same day as their surgery. However, depending on the complexity of your surgery, you may spend one to two days in the hospital after treatment.

You can typically expect a slow return to some activity during the first three months after treatment. After three to four months, you may be allowed back to full activity.

Even though you may return to full activity, bone growth may take 12 to 18 months to complete.