Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgery that permanently joins two or more vertebrae so they heal into a single, solid segment of bone. It is used to treat instability, deformity such as scoliosis or spondylolisthesis, and certain cases of degenerative disc disease or nerve compression. The goal is to stop painful motion at the affected level.

What to expect

  • Performed under general anesthesia; duration varies widely, commonly two to six hours depending on how many levels are fused and the technique.
  • A hospital stay of one to four days is typical, longer for larger surgeries.
  • Walking usually begins within a day; bending, lifting, and twisting are restricted for weeks to months.
  • The bone fusion itself matures over roughly three to six months, and your surgeon may monitor it with X-rays.
  • Full recovery commonly takes six months to a year, often with physical therapy along the way.

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Common questions

How long does it take to recover from spinal fusion?
Light activity typically resumes within a few weeks, but the fusion itself takes months to become solid. Full recovery commonly takes six months to a year, depending on the size of the surgery and your overall health.
Will I lose flexibility after a fusion?
The fused level no longer moves, but for one- or two-level fusions most people notice little change in everyday movement. Larger fusions have more noticeable effects, which your surgeon should discuss beforehand.
What are the alternatives to spinal fusion?
Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives may include physical therapy, injections, decompression-only surgery such as laminectomy or microdiscectomy, or artificial disc replacement in select cases. Fusion is typically reserved for instability or deformity that other options cannot address.

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This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified physician about your specific situation. Listings are not endorsements.