Based on the number of spinal levels, the average cost of Spine fusion Surgery in India ranges from USD 4,800 to USD 7,800.
The price of Scoliosis Spine Surgery in India ranges from USD 10,500 to USD 11,500.
A hospital stay is of about 5 days and 15 days away from the hospital.
Most of the patients have been advised to walk on the next day of operation and have direct relief from pain.
Tests Necessary for discovering Spine Surgery are CT Scan, MRI Scan, and Discogram and X-Ray.
Verified by:- Dr Sandeep Vaishya, Director , MBBS, MS, MCh, Fellowship 25 Years of Experience Gurgaon, India. (Updated On 18/ April/2022)
Spinal fusion is the surgical procedure of combining two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them. spinal fusion surgery involves techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones. at the time of Spinal fusion surgery, Your Surgeon placed bone or a bonelike material within the space between two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates, screws and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together, so they can heal into one solid unit.
Spinal Fusion surgery is generally recommended only when your Surgeon can point out the source of your pain. To do this, your Surgeon may use imaging tests, such as x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Various spinal conditions may be treated though lumbar spinal fusion such as:
Often, the result is more than just a drop in pain. You may find:
Lumbar fusion- commonly done procedure mainly due to degenerative disc changes in lumbar spine which causes pressure on the spinal cord nerves.
Cervical fusion- also commonly performed due to increased motion and stress on cervical spine.
Thoracic fusion –thoracic spine being more immobile, so usually the cause of fusion in thoracic spine is trauma or deformities.
Usually complete symptomatic history of patient taken, clinical examination Imaging techniques done to confirm the diagnosis and also to rule out other problems
MRI is performed to look for disc problems and check spinal nerves status
CT Scan for ruling out joints and bones problems
X-ray to check for arthritis or injuries in vertebrae
Bone scan to rule out cancer
Myelogram, electromyogram
You will meet to your surgeon to discuss your pre-admission process, and to ensure you are fit to go ahead with the procedure.
Please inform the team if you are:
You must also inform us prior to attending if you are taking any of the following medications:
Before your Spinal Fusion surgery, Pre-opreative testing may necessary to have blood tests, chest X-ray and an EKG, echo for heart, CT scan or MRI of your spine. it will be done at pre-admission testing department of the Hospital by technician.
If you smoke, it is important you stop well before Spinal Fusion surgery and avoid smoking for a period of at least 6 months afterwards, as this will impede proper healing.
You will be given instructions and supplies to cleanse your lower back area the day prior to your procedure.
Important Reminder:- Ensure that you do not have anything to eat after midnight the night before your surgery. You may drink water only till 2 am.
Step 1-The patient is positioned and anesthesia is given
Step2– Incision is created in skin and cells are gently moved aside to make a route to the backbone minimally invasive techniques also have been developed that permit fusions with little incisions.
The procedure may be done by different techniques depending on the best possible for the patient and the expertise of the surgeon
In Thoracic Spine fusion distinct techniques can be
Posterolateral fusion — in this procedure the bone graft is put between the transverse process and the vertebra is subsequently fixed in position.
Interbody fusion –During this technique whole intervertebral disk is removed and a bone graft is put in distance between the vertebra, Kinds of interbody fusion
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion(ALIF)- this process is done in the front using an anesthetic at the lower stomach, the intervertebral disk is removed and a bone graft is placed.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)- as its name implies this process is done via the spine and includes removing the disk and adding bone between two nerves.
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)-this process can also be done from the trunk
Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLLIF)- that the physician can approach the backbone in the side
Step 3- Bone Infection is performed – For fusion to occur between two vertebrae a bone graft is necessary to function as a bridge, commonly bone grafts are placed into the space between the vertebrae to be fused. The bone graft helps bone recovery and increases bone creation.
The graft utilized maybe
Allograft – from bone bank/cadaver
Autograft- usually a piece of bone from around the patient’s own pelvis
Artificial- Synthetic bone substitute may be used
Steps 4-Immobilization-The bone graft and vertebrae Should be Glued while the bone graft heals and fuses. The Blend Region is immobilized and held together with metal rods, screws or Screws
Steps 5-Incision is then closed, a brace may be prescribed to encourage the backbone
You’ll Be Tracked in the hospital for 2-3 days, Possibly required to wear a brace while you recover. You will feel some pain Following an Operation That Is controlled by Drugs.
Bed rest is generally not needed. Rehabilitation might take some time and might be a few months until the bone is solid.
While the healing is continuing the fused spine has to be held in the proper position. You’ll be taught the right way to sit, stand, and walk-in order to not hamper the fusing procedure.
After 3-6 months following surgery, the bone graft should combine the vertebra above and under to form a single strong part of the bone that firmly attaches to the backbone creating permanent fusion, slowly improving your symptoms along with your activity level.
Spinal fusion Surgery is usually a safe procedure, there are risks associated with spinal fusion. Your Surgeon will discuss each of the risks with you before your procedure and will take specific measures to help avoid potential complications. Potential risks and complication of spinal fusion Surgery include:
Q. What is the Success rate of spinal fusion surgery ?
A. Success rate of spinal fusion surgery in terms of pain relief is 90-96%. its depends in Surgeon experience.
Q. How long does spinal fusion surgery take In India?
A. It depends on the level of the fusion and exent of surgery, Generally simple one level fusion surgery takes between 2-3 hours.
Q. How long will I be in the hospital?
A. Your hospital stay will depend on your Medical condition and which surgery has done. Most patients go home between 3-4 days.
Q. Will I need a blood transfusion?
A. Transfusions are rarely needed after spinal Fusion surgery. We do not recommend pre-operative donation of your own blood.
Q. What is the likelihood that I will be relieved of my pain?
A. Approximately, 90% to 95% of patients get relief of their leg pain. Some patients (about 15%) will continue to have noticeable back pain in some situations and may physiotherapy or injection.
Q. What shouldn’t I do after Spinal Fusion surgery?
A. In general, you should limit heavy lifting, bending, twisting, pulling, pushing, and high impact physical activities, including contact sports, until instructed otherwise by your surgeon. You should only lift objects that can be easily lifted with one hand and do not lift above your elbows. If you are a smoker, it is important that you do not smoke because it interferes with bone healing.
Q. Should I avoid physical activity?
A. No. Exercise is good for you! You should get some sort of low-impact aerobic exercise at least three times a week. Walking either outside or on a treadmill, using an exercise bike and swimming (when cleared by your surgeon) are all examples of exercise that is appropriate for spine patients.
Q. How do I manage my surgical discomfort?
A. The best ways to manage your discomfort include:
1. Taking your pain medication as directed
2. Applying ice packs for 15 minutes several times a day
3. Resting in positions that protect your spine
4. Staying active throughout the day, taking frequent breaks
Q. How long will my pain last?
A. The amount of pain varies by the extent of surgery and your tolerance to pain medications. You may need to take prescription pain medications for a few weeks to months after the surgery.
Q. When can I go back to work?
A. This should be discussed individually with your surgeon. It depends on the kind of work you do and how long you must drive to get there. Surgical patients can usually return to sedentary jobs (usually two or three weeks) when they can comfortably sit. If your job requires physical labor, it will take longer before you can return to work. If you need to take time off from work.
Q. Will I need physical therapy?
A. Physical therapy will most likely start four to six weeks after Spinal Fusion surgery. The goal is to develop a long-term, home exercise program that can be continued on a consistent basis. This program will focus on core strengthening, non-impact aerobic exercises, coordination and overall conditioning.
Q. What is the best position for sleeping?
A. It is best to avoid positions that twist your body. Use pillows to support your head, shoulders, trunk and legs. Stay away from soft sofas and beds.
Director , MBBS, MS, MCh, Fellowship 20 Years of Experience Gurgaon, India
Surgeon Consultant , MBBS, MS 13 Years of Experience Gurgaon, India
Director , MBBS, MS, DNB 28 Years of Experience Gurgaon , India