Spine fusion surgery is a critical procedure designed to improve spinal health and alleviate back pain. This surgical intervention involves fusing two or more vertebrae using a bone graft, which eventually grows and locks the vertebrae together permanently. While this reduces flexibility in the spine, many patients often find they feel more mobile because they are no longer suffering from chronic pain.

When Is Spine Fusion Surgery Recommended?

Spine fusion surgery is typically suggested when other treatments fail to relieve spine-related issues. Medical professionals use this approach to address a variety of conditions, including:

• Broken Vertebrae: While some fractures heal naturally, others compromise spinal stability. When this happens, vertebrae fusion may be necessary.
• Spinal Deformities: Severe cases of scoliosis and other deformities can often be corrected with this surgical procedure.
• Spinal Instability: Abnormal movement or weakness in the spine can lead to chronic back pain. Fusion surgery helps stabilize affected areas.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward onto another. Severe cases causing pain are often treated with spine fusion.
• Herniated Discs: When a herniated disc removal leaves the spine unstable, fusion may help secure the spine and restore stability.

If medical therapies or less invasive treatments aren’t effective, spine fusion surgery can provide a path to back pain relief and improved spinal health.

How Spine Fusion Surgery Works

The goal of spine fusion surgery is straightforward—to create a solid connection between vertebrae. By eliminating motion in a problematic area, pain can be reduced or eliminated. There are several methods of performing spine fusion surgery, and the right approach depends on the patient’s condition, the location of the problem, and other factors. Below are some of the most commonly used procedures:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy (ACDF)

This method starts with an incision on the side of the neck. Surgeons remove part of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on adjacent nerves, then stabilize the area through vertebrae fusion.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

ALIF is performed from the front of the body to access the lumbar spine. The damaged disc is replaced with a bone graft to encourage fusion and relieve back pain.

Interspinous Process Distraction/Decompression (X-Stop)

Using a device or spacer, surgeons relieve pressure on the spine and nerves, often providing immediate relief from symptoms like leg pain or issues with bladder or bowel function.

Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)

This procedure uses a lateral approach, where the surgeon accesses the spine through the side of the body. Damaged disc material is replaced with a graft for vertebrae fusion.

Thoracoscopic Anterior Spine Surgery

Surgeons conduct this procedure by entering through the chest wall. This technique is especially effective for addressing more complex spinal problems.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

This method involves removing a portion of the spinal disc and inserting a single bone graft while avoiding unnecessary movement or nerve damage during the procedure.

Suffering from chronic back pain? Treatment without proper diagnosis can lead to ongoing discomfort and potential complications. Spine fusion surgery may be a solution, but only a qualified specialist can determine whether it’s right for you. At Nebraska Spine Hospital, our board-certified surgeons are experts in spinal health and back pain relief.