Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is surgery that permanently joins two or more vertebrae so they heal into a single, solid segment, removing painful movement between them. Using bone graft and usually implants such as screws and rods, it is used to treat spinal instability, deformity such as scoliosis, slipped vertebrae, and selected cases of degenerative disc or joint disease that cause pain or nerve compression.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Spinal fusion stops movement between vertebrae that is causing pain or instability. The surgeon places bone graft between the vertebrae and usually secures the segment with screws and rods so that, as healing progresses, the bones grow together into one solid unit. Fusion is often combined with decompression — removing tissue that is pressing on nerves — when nerve compression is part of the problem.
It is used for spinal instability, deformity such as scoliosis or kyphosis, spondylolisthesis (a slipped vertebra), fractures, and selected degenerative conditions where movement at a worn segment causes pain. Careful patient selection is essential, because not all back pain comes from a source that fusion can help. The procedure can be performed through traditional open surgery or, in suitable cases, minimally invasive techniques.
Spine surgeons work with physiotherapists, as rehabilitation guides a safe, graded return to activity while the fusion heals. International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, including the expected stay and recovery, and our specialists can review MRI or CT imaging remotely before you decide.
Who is a candidate?
- People with spinal instability or a slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis) causing symptoms
- Patients with spinal deformity such as scoliosis or kyphosis needing correction and stabilization
- Those with a spinal fracture requiring stabilization
- People with selected degenerative disc or joint disease where movement at a segment causes pain
- Patients whose symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, medication and injections, after careful assessment
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis
A clinical examination comes first, followed by MRI or CT imaging to identify instability, deformity or nerve compression and confirm whether fusion is the right treatment for your spine.
- 2
Planning and preparation
Your surgeon explains the levels to be fused, whether decompression is also needed, and the open or minimally invasive approach, and prepares you for anesthesia.
- 3
The operation
The surgeon places bone graft and usually screws and rods to hold the vertebrae steady, and frees any compressed nerves, so the segment can heal into one solid unit.
- 4
Early recovery
You are helped to stand and walk within a few days, with movement guided to protect the healing fusion. Pain is managed carefully during this period.
- 5
Rehabilitation and follow-up
Physiotherapy supports a graded return to activity as the fusion matures over several months. International patients receive a home program and a follow-up schedule, with remote support available.
Benefits
- Stabilizes the spine by removing painful movement between vertebrae
- Can relieve pain and, when combined with decompression, nerve symptoms
- Corrects and holds deformity such as scoliosis or a slipped vertebra
- Minimally invasive techniques, where suitable, can reduce tissue disruption
- Careful selection means fusion is recommended only when it is likely to help
Risks & considerations
- Infection, bleeding and reaction to anesthesia, as with any major surgery
- Reduced flexibility across the fused level
- Failure of the bones to fully fuse (nonunion), sometimes needing further surgery
- Added stress on the segments next to the fusion over time
- A recovery of several months with a committed rehabilitation program
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Spine Center & Orthopedics.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Spinal Fusion — frequently asked questions
It treats spinal instability, a slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis), deformity such as scoliosis or kyphosis, fractures, and selected degenerative conditions where movement at a worn segment causes pain — often combined with decompression of compressed nerves.
There is some loss of flexibility across the fused level, but the rest of the spine continues to move, and most patients return to an active life. Your surgeon explains what to expect based on how many levels are fused.
Not all back pain comes from a source that fusion can help. We recommend it only when imaging shows instability, deformity or a clearly painful segment, and when non-surgical care has not worked. A second opinion can clarify whether fusion is right for you.
Yes. Send your MRI or CT and reports and our specialists provide an independent opinion on whether fusion is appropriate and what alternatives exist, before you commit to travel.
Fusion typically means around two to five nights in hospital, plus recovery and the start of rehabilitation before flying — your coordinator confirms how long to plan for in the city. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your imaging rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering spinal fusion?
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