If chronic back pain or spinal instability has made everyday life more difficult, spinal fusion surgery might be an option worth considering. It’s often recommended when nonsurgical treatments haven’t worked and spinal issues start to affect your nerves, movement, or ability to stay active and comfortable in day-to-day life.
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion is a procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in your spine. By fusing the bones together, the surgery eliminates motion between them, which can help reduce pain and improve spinal stability.
The fusion is typically performed using:
- Bone grafts (from your own body, such as your pelvis, or from a donor)
- Metal plates, rods or screws to help support the bones as they heal
- Biologics or synthetic materials that help the bones heal and grow together. These act like a kind of “bone glue” or “bone fertilizer” to encourage new bone growth and support the fusion process
Spinal fusion can be performed in different regions of the spine, depending on the location and cause of the problem. The specific area targeted for fusion is based on where instability, degeneration or damage is occurring, which may be in the:
- Cervical (neck) region
- Thoracic (upper back) region
- Lumbar (lower back) region
For example, cervical fusion may be used to treat herniated discs or spinal cord compression in the neck, while lumbar fusion is more common for lower back conditions like degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion surgery is typically recommended for adults, adolescents and children with:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis (arthritis of the spine)
- Scoliosis or spinal deformities
- Herniated discs that haven’t improved with other treatments
- Fractures, instability or slippage of vertebrae (spondylolisthesis)
- Chronic back pain with a clearly identifiable structural cause
Who may not be a good candidate:
- People with generalized back pain without a clear structural problem
- Individuals with poor bone quality (such as severe osteoporosis)
- Those with uncontrolled chronic conditions that impair healing
What To Expect from the Procedure
Spinal fusion is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be completely asleep and won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
The surgery usually takes between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of vertebrae being fused and the surgical approach. Most patients remain in the hospital for 3 to 4 days after surgery to recover.
During the procedure:
- The surgeon accesses your spine through your back, abdomen or neck (depending on location)
- Damaged discs or bone fragments are removed
- Bone graft material is inserted between the vertebrae
- Screws, rods or plates may be used to stabilize the spine while the bones heal
Recovery and Success Rates
Initial recovery from spinal fusion surgery takes about 4 to 6 weeks, though full healing and fusion can take up to 6 months to a year. You may need to wear a brace or limit activity after the surgery while you’re recovering.
Physical therapy is also often recommended to help you regain strength and mobility.
Success rates for spinal fusion generally range from 70 percent to 90 percent. Outcomes can depend on why someone is having the surgery, the exact location of the surgery, their age and overall health, and how closely they follow their post-operative care plan.
FAQs About Spinal Fusion Surgery
How long is spinal fusion surgery?
Most surgeries last between 3 to 6 hours, depending on complexity.
What is the recovery time?
You can likely return to light activity in 4-6 weeks. Full bone fusion can take 6-12 months, and during this time, physical therapy is often part of recovery.
Is spinal fusion painful?
You’ll experience some post-op pain, but it’s manageable with medication. Long-term, the goal is to reduce chronic pain and improve function.
Can you live a normal life after spinal fusion?
Yes, many people return to their daily activities, including work and exercise, after recovery. Some sports or heavy lifting might need to be limited.
Does spinal fusion limit mobility?
It does reduce movement in the fused section, but most patients don’t notice significant limitations in their daily activities.
Is spinal fusion permanent?
Yes, the goal is for the vertebrae to permanently fuse into a single solid bone, providing lasting stability.
At Stony Brook Neurosurgery Spine Center, our expert neurosurgery spine surgeons provide adults and children with advanced spinal fusion procedures tailored to each individual’s condition and goals.
We use:
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques, when appropriate
- Cutting-edge imaging and navigation tools
- Collaborative care teams, including rehabilitation and pain specialists, and physiatrists
Our goal is to relieve your pain, restore your function, and help you return to the life you love. To schedule a consultation or learn more, visit the Stony Brook Neurosurgery Spine Center page here or call (631) 444-1213.
