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Spinal Fusion: Surgery & Treatment Guide

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure undertaken to join two or more vertebrae to alleviate painful motion and restore stability. There are diverse types of spinal fusion, including lumbar, cervical and thoracic fusion. A range of conditions like back pain, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis can be managed through this method. With successful treatment, recovery is promising and the benefits are substantial. Consult expert orthopaedic surgeons at Pristyn Care. Book an appointment with us to explore the best treatment options for you.

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure undertaken to join two or more vertebrae ... Read More

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  • What Is Spinal Fusion?

    Spinal fusion refers to a surgical procedure aimed at permanently fusing two or more vertebrae in the spine. This surgery is performed to eliminate pain caused by motion between these vertebrae and restore stability in the spine. It becomes necessary when other treatment options have failed to provide relief and conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or chronic back pain persist.

    Typically, a doctor will use a bone graft along with spinal instrumentation such as cages, plates, screws, or rods to provide stability while the bones heal into a solid fusion. The primary objectives include stopping painful motion, enhancing stability, correcting deformities, and relieving nerve compression. Depending on the technique used, this may be a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery with a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time.

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    What Are The Types Of Spinal Fusion?

    There are various types of spinal fusion procedures that your doctor may recommend

    depending on the specific condition affecting your spine:

    • Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Treats spine conditions in the lower back (lumbar spine) by fusing the front and back of the spine. This can be done using minimally invasive techniques (MIS-TLIF).
    • Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Also known as extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF), this technique treats lower back conditions using a minimally invasive approach.
    • Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): This method treats lower back conditions, accesses the spine from the back, and can be open or minimally invasive.
    • Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): This involves removing a damaged disc and fusing the spine, treating conditions like herniated discs and degenerative disc disease in the lower back. It uses a minimally invasive approach.
    • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): This method treats herniated discs, degenerative disc disease in the neck and can be done with minimally invasive techniques.

    Other types include anterior and posterior fusion (360° fusion), multilevel fusion involving two or more spinal levels, and hybrid surgery fusing one level while replacing an adjacent disc with an artificial disc.

    Diagnosis Before Spinal Fusion Surgery

    Before proceeding with the spinal fusion treatment, your doctor will conduct a thorough diagnosis to assess your condition. This generally involves the following steps:

    • Medical History & Physical Exam: Here, the doctor will check your medical history, inquire about your symptoms, pain levels, and activities that worsen or alleviate the pain.
    • Imaging Tests: Next, imaging tests are conducted to identify the cause of the spinal issue. These can include X-rays for understanding the alignment of your spine and to detect fractures or bone spurs, CT scans for detailed images of the vertebrae, and MRI scans to assess the discs and detect any disc herniations or spinal cord/nerve compression.
    • Discogram: In some cases, a discogram might be performed. This is an injection of dye into the disc which is used to determine if a specific disc is causing pain.

    What Is The Procedure For Spinal Fusion?

    The spine fusion procedure involves several crucial steps. Here’s what you can expect:

    • Anaesthesia: The patient is given general anaesthesia and positioned on the operating table.
    • Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the affected vertebrae, either in the front, back or side of the spine depending on the location and type of fusion.
    • Disc Removal: The damaged disc or vertebrae are removed, and bone graft material is placed in the empty disc space. This will fuse the vertebrae together.
    • Stabilisation: Metal plates, screws, rods or cages may be used to hold the vertebrae in place while the bone graft heals and fuses.

    Closing Incision: Finally, the incision is closed. A drain may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid buildup.

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    Who Is The Right Candidate For Spinal Fusion?

    Spinal fusion surgery is often recommended for various conditions that cause pain, instability or nerve compression. It might be the right treatment for you if:

    • You have Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae lose their cushioning ability, causing pain and instability in the spine.
    • You suffer from Herniated or Bulging Discs: If discs have slipped out of place or are pressing on a nerve, causing severe pain, you might be a candidate for lumbar spinal fusion, cervical spinal fusion, or thoracic spinal fusion, based on the location of the problem.
    • You have Spinal Stenosis: This is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
    • You have Scoliosis: This is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can cause pain and other problems.

    Remember, the decision to opt for a spinal fusion treatment should always be made after understanding all possible spinal fusion risks and discussing them with your doctor.

    What Are The Benefits Of Spinal Fusion?

    Spinal fusion surgery offers numerous benefits, improving not just the patients’ quality of life, but also their ability to partake in everyday activities. Let’s delve into these advantages:

    • Pain Relief: One of the key benefits of spinal fusion treatment is its efficacy in reducing chronic back and neck pain. By stabilising the spine and relieving pressure on nerves, it significantly diminishes discomfort.
    • Improved Mobility: A spine fusion procedure corrects spinal deformities and instabilities, which can increase your range of motion and improve functionality. Whether it’s a lumbar spinal fusion, cervical spinal fusion, or thoracic spinal fusion, the result is an improved ability to move.
    • Reduced Need for Pain Medication: Many patients find they can decrease, or even discontinue, their use of pain medications following a successful spinal fusion.

    Restored Spinal Stability: Spinal fusion connects two or more vertebrae permanently, creating a more stable spinal column and preventing further deformity or instability.

    How To Prepare For Spinal Fusion?

    Preparing for spinal fusion involves an array of steps that ensure optimal outcomes. Here’s what usually takes place:

    • Comprehensive medical evaluation: This assesses your overall health and identifies any risk factors before the surgery.
    • Imaging tests: Tests like X-rays, CT scans or MRI are done to diagnose the spinal condition precisely.
    • Discussion with the surgeon: It’s critical to discuss the surgical plan, potential risks and expected outcomes with your doctor.

    Health Optimisation: Measures such as smoking cessation, weight loss, and management of any pre-existing medical conditions are undertaken.

    What Are The Recovery Tips and Precautions To Follow After Spinal Fusion?

    Recovery after spinal fusion varies for everyone. Nonetheless, there are general tips that can guide you through this period:

    • Hospital stay: Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1-4 days after surgery.
    • Physical Therapy: This starts soon after surgery to restore strength and mobility.
    • Activity Limitations: You’re advised to avoid bending, twisting or lifting heavy objects for a few months to allow the fusion to heal.
    • Gradual return to normal activities: This is encouraged with full recovery taking 3-6 months on average.
    • Use of brace: Patients may need to wear a brace or back support during the initial recovery period.

    Potential Risks Or Complications Associated With Spinal Fusion

    Like any surgical procedure, spinal fusion carries potential risks. It’s essential to be aware of these before undergoing the operation:

    • Infection at the surgical site: Post-operative infections are a risk, though they can be managed with prompt medical attention.
    • Bleeding or blood clots: There is potential for bleeding or the formation of blood clots post-surgery.
    • Nerve damage: In rare cases, spinal fusion surgery carries the risk of nerve damage.
    • Persistent pain or recurrence of original symptoms: Sometimes, pain might persist or symptoms could recur post-surgery.
    • Graft site pain: Pain can occur at the site from where bone grafts are taken for the fusion.

    Overall, spinal fusion success rates are quite high and the benefits typically outweigh the risks for patients with debilitating spinal conditions that haven’t responded to conservative treatments. It’s important to discuss these facets along with the spinal fusion surgery cost and spinal fusion recovery time with your doctor. Some patients may also be suitable candidates for minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures. Whether you’re considering spinal fusion for back pain, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, remember that an informed decision is always the best decision.

    What Is The Cost Of Spinal Fusion In India?

    The cost of spinal fusion surgery in different areas of India could vary greatly. These variations can be attributed to different factors such as:

    • Complexity of the Procedure: A lumbar spinal fusion might not cost the same as a cervical or thoracic spinal fusion due to differences in complexity and skill required.
    • Hospital Facilities: Hospitals with high-end technology and superior facilities might charge more for spine fusion procedures.
    • Surgeon’s Fees: The more experienced and renowned the surgeon, the higher could be their fees for conducting the spinal fusion treatment.

    Post-operative Care: The type and amount of care required after surgery which includes medication, physiotherapy and any additional treatments.

    Is Spinal Fusion Covered Under Insurance?

    Yes, most health insurance plans in India do provide coverage for spinal fusion surgery for back pain, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. However, the extent of coverage could vary based on policy terms and conditions. It’s usually seen that insurance policies cover costs related to surgery, hospitalisation and post-operative care.

    The policy might include:

    • The cost of surgical procedure
    • Room charges during hospital stay
    • Fees for the surgeon, anaesthesiologist and other medical staff involved
    • Costs incurred for diagnostic tests and imaging
    • Medications and consumables during hospitalisation
    • Charges for post-operative physiotherapy and rehabilitation

    However, certain exclusions may apply like pre-existing conditions or some types of spinal fusion procedures. Also, if your policy stipulates a limit on the number of levels fused or requires pre-authorisation or referrals, then these could affect the coverage. It’s always a good idea to check the specific terms and conditions of your policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

    In some cases, you might also consider minimally invasive spinal fusion which is a newer and more refined technique offering faster spinal fusion recovery time. The spinal fusion success rates for this procedure are also quite high, providing it as a beneficial option for many patients. However, the cost of this treatment may be higher, so it’s crucial to discuss this with your doctor and insurance provider.

    FAQs around Spinal Fusion Surgery

    How effective is spinal fusion surgery in treating back pain?

    Spinal fusion surgery has been quite successful in reducing severe and chronic back pain conditions. This surgical treatment is beneficial for the rectification of conditions like degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or spinal stenosis. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on the cause of the pain, overall health of the patient, and the surgical method used.

    What is the typical spinal fusion recovery time?

    Recovery time after a spinal fusion surgery depends on various factors including the part of the spine fused (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), the number of vertebrae fused, the patient’s overall health status and any existing complications. However, generally speaking, patients can return to their normal life activities within 3 to 6 months post-surgery.

    Can lumbar spinal fusion help in treating scoliosis?

    Yes, a lumbar spinal fusion can be very effective in treating scoliosis. By fusing the lumbar vertebrae together, it helps in rectifying spinal curvature and stabilising the spine which provides significant relief from pain.

    What is minimally invasive spinal fusion?

    Minimally invasive spinal fusion is a type of surgery where instead of making a large incision, surgeons make small ones and use special instruments to access your spine. This procedure results in lesser blood loss than traditional surgery and has a shorter recovery period.

    Are there any notable spinal fusion risks?

    While spinal fusion treatment is generally safe, as with any surgery it might have some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or complications with anaesthesia. Your doctor will discuss these potential risks with you prior to the surgery.

    Is cervical spinal fusion effective for degenerative disc disease?

    Yes, cervical spinal fusion can be an effective treatment for degenerative disc disease. This surgery helps in stabilising the spine by fusing the damaged discs, thus providing pain relief and restoring normal functions.

    What is the success rate of spinal fusion surgery?

    The success rates for spinal fusion surgeries are quite high. However, it depends on various factors including the condition being treated, overall health of the patient and the quality of post-operative care. Generally, 70 to 90 percent of patients report significant pain relief post-surgery.

    How much does a spinal fusion Surgery cost in India?

    The cost of spinal fusion surgery in India can vary widely based on various factors such as the type of fusion, the location of the hospital, the surgeon’s experience, and the need for any additional procedures or treatments.

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    Content Reviewed By
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    Dr. Debashish Chanda
    15 Years Experience Overall
    Last Updated : September 18, 2024