Why it is performed
Spinal fusion is used when a part of the spine has become unstable, painful, or deformed. Bone graft is placed between the vertebrae, and screws and rods hold them steady while they grow together into one solid piece. Once fused, that segment no longer moves — which is the goal, because the abnormal motion was causing pain.
Common reasons for fusion include:
- Spondylolisthesis (a slipped vertebra)
- Scoliosis or other spine deformity
- Severe instability after a previous laminectomy
- Selected cases of severe degenerative disc disease
- Spine fractures or tumors
Single-level fusion
A single-level fusion joins two vertebrae together (one disc level). Most fusion patients have a single-level operation. Recovery is generally faster, and you keep most of your normal back motion because only one disc level is locked.
Multi-level fusion
A multi-level fusion joins three or more vertebrae. This is needed for larger problems like adult scoliosis, multiple unstable levels, or extensive degeneration. Multi-level fusions are bigger operations with longer recovery and more blood loss, but they can dramatically improve balance and pain in the right patients.
Benefits
- Stops painful motion at the affected level
- Stabilizes a slipped or unstable spine
- Helps correct curves and restore balance
- Often combined with decompression to relieve leg pain at the same time
Limitations
- Recovery is longer than for a laminectomy alone
- It can take 6 to 12 months for the bones to fully grow together
- The fused level no longer bends or twists
- Levels above and below have to work a bit harder, which can wear over time (adjacent segment disease)
- Smoking, diabetes, and poor bone quality can interfere with healing