Skip to main content

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the spine, eliminating motion between them. Bone graft material is placed between the vertebrae, and metal hardware (screws, rods, plates) holds them in place while the bone heals and fuses. It is performed to treat spinal instability, severe degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and fractures.

Find a Surgeon

Who Needs Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is recommended when spinal instability, deformity, or nerve compression has not responded to at least 6 months of conservative treatment (physical therapy, injections, medications). It is most commonly performed in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine.

What to Expect

1
Comprehensive imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scan) and possibly nerve studies
2
Surgery takes 2-6 hours depending on the number of levels fused
3
Can be performed from the front (anterior), back (posterior), or both
4
Minimally invasive options available for select patients
5
Hospital stay of 2-4 days
6
Bone graft may come from your hip (autograft), a donor (allograft), or synthetic material

Recovery Timeline

Weeks 1-2

Hospital recovery and discharge. Limited walking with assistance. Pain management.

Weeks 3-6

Gradual increase in walking. No bending, lifting, or twisting. May wear a brace.

Months 2-3

Light daily activities. Walking longer distances. Physical therapy begins for some patients.

Months 3-6

Return to desk work and driving. Progressive physical therapy. Bone fusion occurring.

Months 6-12

Full fusion confirmed on imaging. Return to most activities. Continued strengthening.

Risks & Complications

  • Failure to fuse (pseudoarthrosis, 5-10%)
  • Hardware failure
  • Adjacent segment disease (degeneration above/below fusion)
  • Infection (2-4%)
  • Nerve damage
  • Blood loss
  • Continued pain

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from spinal fusion?

Most patients return to desk work in 4-8 weeks. Physical labor may take 4-6 months. Complete bone fusion takes 6-12 months, confirmed by imaging. Full recovery varies by number of levels fused and overall health.

Can you bend after spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion eliminates motion at the fused levels. You can still bend at unfused segments, the hips, and the knees. Most patients adapt well and maintain good mobility. The more levels fused, the more motion is lost.

Is spinal fusion a major surgery?

Yes, spinal fusion is a major surgery with significant recovery time. However, minimally invasive techniques have reduced blood loss, hospital stays, and recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Single-level fusions have shorter recoveries than multi-level procedures.

Find a surgeon for Spinal Fusion

Compare orthopaedic surgeons who perform this procedure.

Search surgeons

Estimated Cost

$50,000 - $150,000 (before insurance) depending on number of levels and approach. Covered by insurance when medically necessary.

Full cost breakdown

Related Specialty

Spine Specialists →

Other Procedures

Total Knee ReplacementTotal Hip ReplacementACL ReconstructionRotator Cuff RepairArthroscopic SurgeryCarpal Tunnel Release

This information is for educational purposes only. Costs are estimates and vary by location, surgeon, and insurance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.