Spinal Fusion
Fusion of two or more vertebrae to eliminate painful movement at an unstable spinal segment.
Spinal Fusion
The definitive surgical treatment for spinal instability — joining vertebrae so they heal as one structure.
Fusion eliminates movement at the treated segment. Significant pain relief from instability is the expected outcome. Recovery: three to six months to full activity.
What Is It?
Joins two or more vertebrae together so they heal as a single structure, eliminating painful movement at the treated segment. Most commonly performed for spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease with instability, or as an addition to decompression where stability is at risk.
Before Surgery
MRI, CT, and standing X-rays reviewed. Medical clearance, blood work, ECG. Smoking significantly impairs fusion — patients are strongly encouraged to stop before surgery.
During Surgery
General anaesthesia. Pedicle screws and rods hold vertebrae in alignment while bone heals. Bone graft placed between vertebrae to promote fusion. Navigation-assisted screw placement used routinely.
After Surgery
Hospital stay: three to five days. Walking with assistance day one. Brace may be recommended for six to twelve weeks. Fusion consolidation takes three to six months.
Recovery
Desk work: six to ten weeks. Physical activity: three to six months or more. Regular follow-up imaging confirms fusion progress at three and six months.
Dr. Viswanath's Approach
Fusion recommended only when clinical and imaging evidence clearly supports it. Navigation-assisted pedicle screw placement used routinely — particularly for complex anatomy or revision surgery.
Questions about
spinal fusion?
A pre-operative consultation will answer everything before anything is scheduled.