Spinal Fusion

This clearly is the most controversial area of spine surgery. If the spine does not have the stability because of deformity, trauma, tumor or degeneration, then a fusion of a segment of the spine will restore the structure. Screws and rods will stabilize the spine while the bone healing takes place. Bone fusion usually becomes solid in 3 to 6 months. Fusions can be done anteriorly, posteriorly or combined front and back. I prefer to do most work through the posterior approach to facilitate recovery.

These complex surgeries take three or more hours to complete. The hospital stay is three to five days. Patients will walk the day after surgery, but it is painful and the need for high dose pain medication is typical. Most patients go home the fourth day, help is needed at home for the first few weeks for cleaning, cooking and shopping. We arrange for a physical therapist to visit at home. Progress is slow, but by the sixth week the debility is less and walking is easier. Recovery to full function is expected at three to six months.