Cost of spinal fusion by state

What is a spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion is a surgery that is used to lock two or more segments of the spine together. The spine is made up of multiple bones known as vertebrae that are linked with joints and cushioned by spongy disks that lie between them.

As you age, these joints and disks become weaker and can lead to chronic pain in some individuals. A spinal fusion removes the need for these joints to move and eliminates the pressure on these disks. This can lead to a reduction in pain in exchange for a reduction in the ability of the spine to bend fully.

This fusion is done by placing material between the vertebrae that stimulates bone growth between them. Screws or plates are then placed to hold these segments of the spine in place while new bone grows.

Is spinal fusion a major surgery?

Yes, a spinal fusion requires skilled surgeons, being put to sleep (general anesthesia), and multiple appointments for physical therapy and postoperative follow-up. For this reason, spinal surgery is generally thought of as a “last resort” treatment that is attempted after medications and physical therapy have failed.

Do not let this discourage you from getting spinal surgery if it is strongly recommended to you. Some patients have excellent relief from severe chronic pain after spinal fusion. Some patients with lifelong spinal conditions also benefit from spinal fusion, potentially at a young age.

How long do you stay in the hospital after spinal fusion surgery?

Most patients stay in the hospital for two to four days after surgery. Once your pain is well managed with medication you can take by mouth and the surgeons see that there are no signs of complications following the surgery, you will be able to return home.

Full recovery from spinal fusion can take several months. Most patients are able to return to a routine office job within one month. A more physical job or regular exercise that involves more than light walking will take up to three months or more.

The exact activities you will be able to return to depends on the number of vertebrae that were fused and your overall health. For otherwise healthy patients with a small fusion, a full return to previous activities is expected within 3-6 months.

What is the success rate of spinal fusion surgery?

Success in the case of spinal fusion is typically defined as a significant decrease in pain compared to before the procedure. It is estimated that 50% to 90% of spinal fusions are successful. The large range in these numbers exists because spinal fusion is a complex procedure with many different approaches, options, and types of patients. There is no one strategy that works best for all patients and no easy way to compare outcomes due to this complexity.

The best way to ensure that you have a successful procedure is to work with a skilled surgeon and try all appropriate non-surgical options before considering surgery.

Can screws come loose after spinal fusion?

Yes, this is commonly referred to as “pedicle screw loosening,” which is the medical name for the location the screws are placed. These screws may loosen over time, if there is trauma to the back, or if a repeat procedure is needed. The majority of patients never even notice the loose screw as the screws are not what is holding the fused segments together; it is the new bone that forms in between the vertebrae.

If a screw loosens and is causing pain, a much less complex repeat procedure may be performed to remove the screw.

How long do spinal fusions last?

Spinal fusions last a lifetime. The hardware that supports the fusion can often remain in place for decades, and unless it causes pain due to a malfunction, it may be left in place. The hardware is not needed to maintain the fusion after about one year due to the new bone that grows between the fused vertebrae.

Does spinal fusion limit mobility?

Yes, the vertebrae involved in the spinal fusion are locked in place and are unable to freely rotate and bend. Since each bone of the spine moves independently, this is almost unnoticeable with fusions of two to three vertebrae. If a large number of vertebrae are fused, the reduction in mobility can be significant. In these cases, the pain from the condition leading to the fusion often leads to a severe reduction in mobility as well, making this side effect less concerning to patients.