Fusion surgery

Surgery performed to achieve long-term stabilization by joining two or more vertebrae together into one solid segment. This type of surgery can be considered to treat instability or symptoms related to spine motion.

Quick Facts:

  • Used to stabilize painful or unstable spinal segments
  • Commonly combined with decompression surgery
  • May be performed with minimally invasive techniques
  • Goal is to improve stability and reduce pain

👉 Request an Appointment
👉 Refer a Patient

WHAT IS FUSION SURGERY?

Fusion surgery connects two or more bones of the spine so they heal together into a single solid unit.

This is done by:

  • Preparing the bone surfaces
  • Placing bone graft or biologic material
  • Often adding screws, rods, cages, or other support devices

Fusion is designed to:

  • Eliminate painful motion
  • Improve stability
  • Support healing after decompression or correction of deformity

👉 The goal is to create a stable spine segment when motion is part of the problem

WHY IS FUSION SURGERY PERFORMED?

Fusion is considered when the spine is unstable or when pain is coming from a segment that moves abnormally.

Common Reasons for Fusion

  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Instability after decompression
  • Recurrent or advanced degenerative disease
  • Deformity
  • Fracture
  • Revision surgery or pseudarthrosis

👉 Fusion is not needed for every spine problem. It is used when stability matters.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

Patients may be candidates if:

  • There is abnormal motion or instability
  • Symptoms correlate with structural findings
  • Conservative treatment has failed
  • Decompression alone would not adequately address the problem

Fusion is usually not recommended simply because degeneration is seen on imaging.

👉 The key is whether the painful or unstable segment is clearly identified.

WHAT OPTIONS DO WE OFFER

Cervical

Standard fusion

Bone graft placed on the outside of the spine

Interbody fusion

Bone graft / cage placed on the inside of the spine between the vertebral bodies

Thoracic / Lumbar / Sacral / Pelvic

Standard fusion

Bone graft placed on the outside of the spine

Interbody fusion

Bone graft / cage placed on the inside of the spine between the vertebral bodies

SI joint fusion

Bone graft and screw placed through the pelvis into the sacral spine

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does fusion mean my spine becomes rigid?
Only the treated levels are fused. Many patients maintain good overall function.

How long does fusion take to heal?
Bone healing takes time, often several months.

Will I need instrumentation?
Often yes. Hardware supports the spine while fusion occurs.

Is fusion always necessary with decompression?
No. Many decompressions can be done without fusion. We strive to perform the least invasive surgery possible. Happy to see patients as a second opinion if uncertainty about the necessity of fusion surgery.

RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES

NEXT STEPS…

If you are interested in learning more about spine fusion surgery, click on the links to specific surgeries above.

👉 Request an Appointment
👉 Refer a Patient