Spinal fusion is a procedure that involves removing a spinal disc and replacing it with a spacer, which is held in place with screws and sometimes rods.
The surgeon doesn’t fuse the spine directly but places a spacer and screws to act as a scaffold. Over the next 6-12 months, natural bone grows through this scaffold to complete the fusion.
Spinal fusion is effective for three types of spinal pain:
Pain arises from bone movement, not bone-on-bone contact. Spinal fusion locks the bones together, eliminating movement and reducing pain. Artificial discs are also used in some cases (discussed further here).
The spine can be accessed directly from the back, with the incision placed in the middle of the back. This procedure is called Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.
Various other angles can also be used to access the spine between the front and back, as surgeons have explored more efficient and less invasive approaches.
The end result is always the fusion of the spine; the difference lies in how the spine is accessed. Each method has its pros and cons, and I can guide you in selecting the most suitable approach for your case.
While spine surgery does carry risks, modern technology has made spinal fusion a much safer and more effective treatment for certain spinal conditions.
When the bone on either side forms a solid connection, that’s considered a successful spinal fusion. There’s usually a 90%+ chance the surgery achieves fusion by the 12-month mark.
Today, the key to successful spinal fusion surgery lies in the decision-making process. It’s up to the surgeon to carefully determine if you’re a suitable candidate. There are many relevant factors, including your symptoms, examination findings, scan results, lifestyle, and future aspirations.
Also, keep in mind that fusion is a natural process. Your spine’s normal response to many different types of spine conditions is to fuse itself, including fractures, infection and arthritis. Surgery just tries to replicate this.
Modern spinal fusion surgery is very advanced compared to 30, 20, even 10 years ago. The technology is exceptional, and all spine surgeons in Australia have access to the latest equipment, including computer-guided systems or robots. The engineering of all this technology is world-class.
Nowadays, the single biggest factor determining safety and outcome is surgeon experience and patient selection (the decision-making process).
To get the best result you need to commit to a full recovery period. Recovery is like compound interest; if you do the time, you’ll get the best result. If you shortchange yourself and bail out early, you will miss out on significant benefits long term.
This doesn’t mean you will be just resting during the recovery. I will actually encourage you to be as active as possible. Regaining your confidence in movement is crucial, and you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll be able to do soon after surgery
I will take you through all this when I see you.
There are 2 potential long-term side effects I discuss with all spinal fusion patients pre-surgery:
These are just general summaries of the risks. I can go into more detail and provide personalised advice taking into account your unique health profile during the consultation process.
Yes, it is a very common procedure, typically performed weekly by most spine surgeons. The main variation between surgeons is the approach they take to access your spine.
The goal of surgery is to enhance your quality of life, helping you return to activities like playing sports, working in the garden, or moving pain-free around the house. I will consider your lifestyle and goals when planning your treatment.
Spinal fusion typically involves removing the damaged spinal disc, inserting a spacer to restore the spine’s normal configuration, and securing it all with screws for stability.
Don’t worry, the screws are made from titanium, so you won’t trigger alarms at the airport.
This depends on your spinal condition. We will explore alternatives during your consultation, based on your specific needs and condition.
There are several surgical options available, and often more than one good choice. However, alternatives to surgery include medications, steroid injections, and physiotherapy. It’s important to weigh your options to determine the best path to restore your quality of life.
After an assessment, I can provide a more specific timeline, but typically, hospital stays range from 1 to 4 days.
Most scars from spinal surgery heal well. I am as keen as you are to ensure your incision heals beautifully.
For the lumbar spine, I use dissolvable sutures. For the cervical spine, a small stitch will need to be removed after 7 days, which I will do in my rooms.
Yes, physiotherapy or pilates will play an important role in rebuilding your confidence in movement and supporting your recovery. I am happy to collaborate with your physio or pilates instructor.
