Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks, Benefits & Procedure

Spinal fusion surgery is advised for patients with conditions causing spinal instability, like spondylolisthesis and spinal deformity. Learn more about our specialised approaches to treating these conditions here.

Yes, there are several alternatives to spinal fusion surgery, including:

Cervical/lumbar disc replacement (CDR):

• A substitute for fusion in the cervical spine.
• Relieves nerve pressure caused by disc degeneration or herniation.

Endoscopic lumbar discectomy/decompression:

• Minimally invasive technique for persistent leg and lower back pain.
• Limits collateral damage to spinal elements and soft tissue.

Coflex lumbar interlaminar device:

• Enlarges the lumbar spinal canal to provide more space for neural structures and relieve pressure from arthritic joints.
• Implants the Coflex device to offer stability without compromising mobility.

Endoscopic/fluoroscopic rhizotomy:

• It is the least invasive and most successful for chronic lower back pain related to arthritic joint structures.
• Provides pain relief for up to five years.

Intracept procedure:

• Non-invasive technique to target small neural structures responsible for pain perception from intervertebral disc endplates.
• Relieves chronic back pain in a carefully selected group of patients.

After open spinal fusion, standing or sitting for long periods can be challenging for the first few weeks, and it may take four to six weeks to resume light tasks. Full recovery might take six months to a year, and wearing a back brace may be necessary. However, endoscopic spinal fusion can significantly shorten this period, with recovery times almost halved. Explore further on our testimonials page.

Avoid activities like weightlifting, jogging, biking, or aerobics until cleared by your doctor. Refrain from driving for two to four weeks after surgery. Try not to sit in a car for more than 30 minutes during this period. For tips on post-operative care, refer to our blog.

Cervical instrumentation

• Cranial screws are positioned at the base of the skull and connected to the cervical screws by rods.
• Anterior cervical plates fastened to vertebrae by bolts or screws
• Occipital plates fastened to the base of the skull by bolts or screws
• Interbody cages raise the spinal segment back to its original height following discectomy.
• Standalone cages are anchored into the bones without the need for screws or plates. These cages may lower the chance of postoperative dysphagia and hoarseness of voice.
• Cervical pedicle screws with rods (FDA-approved) are positioned at the pedicles of cervical vertebrae.
• Cervical lateral mass screws with rods are typically used from C3 to C7.

Thoracic instrumentation

• Pedicle screws with or without rods
• Interbody cages
• Lamina hooks with or without pedicle screws

Lumbar instrumentation

Many of the devices mentioned above, such as pedicle screws, rods, plates, and cages, are used as instrumentation during lumbar interbody fusion surgeries. Surgical approaches and techniques can also determine the kinds of instrumentation used in lumbar spine surgery.

ALIF: ALIF cages must be supported by plates or screw-rod structures. Large, angled cages can help the spine’s natural curve.

PLIF: Cages are used in conjunction with rods and pedicle screws 

TLIF: Spacers with a potential crescent shape that are positioned in front of the disc space may be used 

XLIF and OLIF: Permits the placement of a larger cage; hence, these techniques are more beneficial for treating scoliosis

Patients with office or sedentary jobs may return 4 to 6 weeks after open surgery and 2 weeks after endoscopic fusion. However, returning to more physically demanding activities may take up to 3 months. Learn more about how our advanced techniques aid quicker recovery on our Spine and Hip page.

Yes, endoscopic techniques are particularly beneficial for those needing revision surgery and have become more common. Revision surgery with endoscopic discectomy, decompression, and fusion techniques have several advantages.

1. Lower infection risk: Minimally invasive techniques create more minor wounds and involve less soft tissue dissection, reducing the risk of wound dehiscence and infection. Continuous irrigation during endoscopic spine surgery further lowers this risk.
2. Preventing durotomy: Magnified endoscopic views and lateral dissection of the dural scar tissue can be performed to reduce the chance of unintentional durotomy.
3. Preserving tissue: Endoscopic vision allows for reduced soft tissue and bone dissection, preserving enough tissue to prevent instability and the need for fusion.
4. Multiple approaches: Endoscopic spine surgery allows various approaches to the same target site. For example, a contralateral approach may reach the same foraminal region previously accessed through a paraspinal or transforaminal approach.

Whether you are suitable for endoscopic spine surgery as a revision surgery will depend on your condition and Dr Wu’s assessment. Discover how these methods have transformed patient outcomes here.

Lumbar fusion surgery restricts movement in the fused section of the spine, but most patients can still perform daily activities with little impact once they have healed. The extent of mobility changes depends on the number of vertebrae fused and the individual’s overall spine health. Many people adapt to the changes over time, especially with rehabilitation exercises to maintain flexibility in the surrounding areas.

Our specialists will assess your condition based on symptoms, imaging scans, and response to non-surgical treatments. Lumbar fusion surgery is typically considered when pain and instability in the lower back persist despite physiotherapy, medication, or other conservative treatments.

Yes, lumbar fusion surgery is classified as a major procedure because it involves permanently connecting two or more vertebrae in the lower spine. Although Achieve Orthopaedic Clinic offers minimally invasive techniques, the recovery process still requires time, follow-up care, and adjustments to daily activities.

Lumbar fusion surgery focuses on stabilising the lower back (lumbar spine), whereas other types of spinal fusion, such as cervical fusion or thoracic fusion, target different areas of the spine. The lumbar spine bears more weight and movement, and the procedure is often used to address conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. The surgical approach and recovery process may also differ depending on the location of the fusion and the techniques used.