What is spinal fusion surgery?
Spinal fusion is a surgery to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them. It uses screws, rods, and bone grafts to create a solid bridge of bone.
Spinal Fusion Surgery (TLIF/PLIF)
Stabilizing the spine to treat Spondylolisthesis and Instability.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Sayuj Krishnan
Diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis?+91-9778280044
Duration
3-4 Hours
Anesthesia
General
Hospital Stay
3-5 Days
Recovery
3-6 Months
Incision
Minimally Invasive
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Traumatic Spine Fracture Treatment
For severe fractures caused by road accidents or falls (Burst Fractures), we perform Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation. This is a "Internal Bracing" technique that stabilizes the spine without fusing it permanently in young patients.
Keyhole Fixation (Minimally Invasive)
Instead of a large open cut, we insert titanium screws through 1cm incisions.
- ✓ Less blood loss
- ✓ Low infection risk
- ✓ Early walking (Day 2)
Implant Removal (Motion Preservation)
In young patients with healed fractures, the screws can often be removed after 9-12 months, restoring normal spine motion.
What is Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion (often called "Fixation Surgery") is a procedure to weld two or more vertebrae together. The goal is to stop painful motion caused by instability. Dr. Sayuj uses advanced titanium implants and bone grafts to ensure a solid fusion.
The most common technique we use is TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion), which allows for nerve decompression and 360-degree fusion with minimal nerve retraction.
Red Flags: Spine Fractures & Trauma
Severe back pain after a fall, accident, or heavy lifting could indicate a spinal fracture. Unstable fractures can damage the spinal cord and cause permanent paralysis if not immobilized immediately.
Traumatic Injury
Sudden onset of severe pain after a fall from height or road accident.
Neurological Deficit
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in legs, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
Osteoporotic Pain
In elderly patients, even a minor stumble can cause a compression fracture.
Motion Preservation: Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)
Not every patient requires fusion. For younger patients with healthy facet joints, Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is an advanced alternative that preserves the natural movement of your spine.
Benefits of Disc Replacement:
- ✓ Maintains flexibility and range of motion
- ✓ Reduces stress on adjacent spinal levels
- ✓ Faster recovery compared to fusion
Dr. Sayuj evaluates each case individually to determine if you are a candidate for motion preservation or if stabilization (fusion) is necessary for your long-term relief.
Fusion Surgery Journey
1
X-Ray & MRI
Dynamic X-rays confirm instability (bones moving abnormally) requiring fusion.
2
Surgical Planning
Choosing the right size of screws and cages customized to your anatomy.
3
Decompression & Fixation
Nerves are freed (laminectomy) and bones are fixed with screws/rods to stop painful movement.
4
Fusion Process
Bone graft is placed to help the vertebrae grow together into one solid bone over 3-6 months.
5
Post-Op Rehab
Walking from Day 2. Brace support for 4-6 weeks while bone healing starts.
Why Choose Dr. Sayuj for Spinal Fixation?
Precision & Safety
Using C-arm fluoroscopy and intraoperative navigation, screw placement is precise to the millimeter, avoiding nerve injury.
Minimally Invasive TLIF
For suitable candidates, MIS-TLIF is performed through small incisions, reducing blood loss and muscle damage compared to open surgery.
Estimated Cost of Treatment
Transparent pricing for self-pay patients. Insurance packages available.
| Procedure | Estimated Cost Range (INR) | Typical Recovery | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open TLIF (Fusion) | ₹2,50,000 - ₹3,20,000 | 6-8 weeks |
|
| Minimally Invasive TLIF (MIS-TLIF) | ₹3,00,000 - ₹3,80,000 | 4-6 weeks |
|
| Instrumentation Only (Fixation) | ₹2,00,000 - ₹2,50,000 | 4-6 weeks |
|
Note: These are estimated ranges for standard cases. Final cost may vary based on room category, specific implants required, and medical complexity. Cashless insurance facilities are available with major TPAs.
Outcome metrics for Spinal Fusion
Patient satisfaction
98%
Patients reporting improved quality of life six weeks after care.
Average hospital stay
2.1 days
Measured across routine cases without additional comorbid risk.
Return to work
86%
Patients resuming desk duties within the recommended timeframe.
Metrics are derived from internal audit data (rolling 12 months) and adjusted for case-mix. Individual recovery varies.
Conditions Treated
- Spondylolisthesis: Slippage of one vertebra over another.
- Spinal Fractures: Due to trauma or osteoporosis.
- Recurrent Disc Herniation: After failed previous surgeries.
- Spinal Tumors: Requiring reconstruction after removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is spinal fusion necessary?
It is needed when the spine is unstable, such as in spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), fractures, severe arthritis, or after removing a large spinal tumor. Simple back pain rarely needs fusion.
Will I lose flexibility?
Fusion limits motion only at the fused segment. Since most motion comes from the hip and cervical spine, fusing one or two lumbar levels typically does not noticeably restrict daily activities.
What is the success rate?
For properly selected patients with instability, success rates are over 90%. Pain relief is significant once the fusion solidifies.
How long do implants stay in the body?
The titanium screws and rods are designed to stay in your body permanently. They do not trigger metal detectors and rarely need removal unless there is an infection or discomfort.
Is Artificial Disc Replacement better than Spinal Fusion?
For younger patients with healthy facet joints, Disc Replacement is better as it preserves motion. However, if you have spinal instability (spondylolisthesis) or severe arthritis, Fusion (TLIF) is the gold standard for long-term pain relief and stability.
How are spine fractures treated?
Stable fractures may heal with bracing and rest. However, unstable fractures from accidents (trauma) often require surgical fixation with screws and rods to prevent paralysis and allow early walking. Dr. Sayuj specializes in minimally invasive percutaneous screw fixation for fractures.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sayuj KrishnanConsultant Neurosurgeon, Yashoda Hospital MalakpetLast reviewed 3 January 2026
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with Dr. Sayuj for personalized medical guidance.
Dr. Sayuj Krishnan – Neurosurgeon
Hospital:Room No 317, OPD Block, Yashoda Hospital, Nalgonda X Roads, Malakpet, Hyderabad 500036
Phone:+919778280044
Email:hellodr@drsayuj.info
