Spinal Fusion
A surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the spine to eliminate motion between them, thereby reducing pain caused by degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or deformity. Bone graft material is placed between the vertebrae, and hardware such as screws and rods is used to hold them in place while they fuse.
Definition
A surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the spine to eliminate motion between them, thereby reducing pain caused by degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or deformity. Bone graft material is placed between the vertebrae, and hardware such as screws and rods is used to hold them in place while they fuse.
In-Depth
What You Need to Know
Spinal fusion is performed to treat a variety of spinal conditions including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and fractures. The procedure can be performed through an anterior (front), posterior (back), or lateral (side) approach depending on the location and nature of the problem. Bone graft, either from the patient's own body or from a donor, is placed between the vertebrae to promote bone growth and fusion. Metal hardware including screws, rods, and cages provides immediate stability while the fusion solidifies over three to six months. Recovery from spinal fusion typically involves a hospital stay of two to four days, activity restrictions for several months, and a gradual return to normal function with physical therapy guidance.
Calls & Questions
What Patients Ask
Common phone questions about spinal fusion — and how Front Desk handles scheduling and call routing automatically.
Common Patient Questions
- 1How long is the recovery period after spinal fusion surgery?
- 2Will I lose flexibility in my back after spinal fusion?
- 3What are the alternatives to spinal fusion for my condition?
- 4How many vertebrae will need to be fused?
How Front Desk Helps Your Practice
Front Desk can provide general information about spinal fusion procedures, help patients understand the difference between various surgical approaches, and schedule consultations with spine specialists. It can coordinate pre-operative testing appointments, explain hospital stay expectations, and arrange post-surgical follow-up visits and physical therapy referrals.
Try it freeRelated Terms
Learn More
Explore related orthopedics terms in our glossary.
Browse Orthopedics
More Orthopedics Terms
Explore all orthopedics terms in our glossary.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about spinal fusion.
A surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the spine to eliminate motion between them, thereby reducing pain caused by degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or deformity. Bone graft material is placed between the vertebrae, and hardware such as screws and rods is used to hold them in place while they fuse. Spinal fusion is performed to treat a variety of spinal conditions including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and fractures. The procedure can be performed through an anterior (front), posterior (back), or lateral (side) approach depending on the location and nature of the problem.
Your orthopedics provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk helps by provide general information about spinal fusion procedures, help patients understand the difference between various surgical approaches, and schedule consultations with spine specialists. It can coordinate pre-operative testing appointments, explain hospital stay expectations, and arrange post-surgical follow-up visits and physical therapy referrals.
Your orthopedics provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk helps by provide general information about spinal fusion procedures, help patients understand the difference between various surgical approaches, and schedule consultations with spine specialists. It can coordinate pre-operative testing appointments, explain hospital stay expectations, and arrange post-surgical follow-up visits and physical therapy referrals.
Your orthopedics provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk helps by provide general information about spinal fusion procedures, help patients understand the difference between various surgical approaches, and schedule consultations with spine specialists. It can coordinate pre-operative testing appointments, explain hospital stay expectations, and arrange post-surgical follow-up visits and physical therapy referrals.
Ready to never miss a call again?
Stop losing revenue to busy signals. Turn every missed call into a booked appointment, 24/7.
Setup in 10 minutes•Cancel anytime