Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to link together, or fuse, two or more vertebrae in the back so there is no movement between them. Spinal fusion is frequently required after an injury, infection or tumor to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain.

Common spinal fusion procedures performed at Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery include:

Cervical

Cervical (Neck) Fusion

Cervical fusion is a surgical procedure that links together damaged segments of the vertebral column in the neck.

Anterior Cervical Fusion

The anterior approach to cervical fusion entails surgeons operating through the front of the neck as opposed to the back of the neck. Posterior Cervical Fusion Posterior cervical fusion is performed through an incision in the back of the neck.

Back

Posterior Lumbar (Lower Back) Fusion

Posterior Lumbar fusion is the most common type of fusion surgery for low back pain. With this surgery, two or more vertebraes are fused together into one solid bone. It is used to treat spine instability, severe degenerative disc disease, and fractures in the lumbar spine. This surgery is performed approaching the spine through an incision in the back. It may be performed by traditional open or by minimally invasive methods, depending on which method best addresses the patient’s needs and anatomy. Instrumentation such as screws and rods may be included used to stabilize the spine.

Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion Surgery

This type of minimally invasive surgery is performed by approaching the spine from the patient’s side to remove the disc tissue causing pain and to joint two or more vertebrae together.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a type of spinal fusion to treat problems such as disc degeneration, spine instability and deformities In the low back area of the spine. An incision is made in the abdomen, disc material is removed and the lumbar spine bones are fused together.

Transforminal Interbody Fusion

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a surgery that involves the removal of a disc between two vertebrae and fusing them together. This type of surgery is recommended for those suffering from degenerative disc disease and other conditions that cause low back pain. This surgery is performed approaching the spine from the back.

Trans-sacral Interbody Fusion

Axial lumbar interbody fusion, is a minimally-invasive surgical technique used to fuse together the front part of the lumbar spine and the first bone in sacrum, which sits at the rear of the pelvis. Those with painful disc degenerationor spondylolisthesis are often candidates for this surgery.

360 Fusion (Anterior & Posterior)

Anterior/Posterior Lumbar Fusion (360) is a procedure in which the spine is fused from both the back and the front.