Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are permanently joined together, eliminating movement between them. During the procedure, various types of materials can be used, such as rods, plates, or other implants, depending on the needs and specific characteristics of each case.
Indications for Spinal Fusion
The conditions for which a physician may recommend spinal fusion include:
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolysis – Spondylolisthesis
- Spondyloarthritis
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
- Herniated intervertebral disc degeneration
- Cervical myelopathy
- metastases Spinal column
- Spinal fractures causing instability
- Severe degenerative changes of the spine accompanied by spinal cord or nerve compression
- Chronic low back pain
- And many others
The Spinal Fusion Procedure
Spinal fusion can be performed in different ways depending on the condition being treated. The available techniques include open surgery, minimally invasive spinal fusion, image-guided navigation-assisted fusion, and robot-assisted spinal fusion.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon detaches the muscles from the spine, and if necessary, decompresses the affected nerves. Then, the bone graft is placed, along with rods, screws, or other stabilization materials, to permanently fuse the vertebrae.
After surgery, the patient typically remains in the hospital for 3–4 days, or longer if the procedure is more extensive. A drain may be placed for the first 24–48 hours to remove blood and fluid from the surgical site. Strong painkillers are administered to manage postoperative pain.
The patient begins gradual mobilization the day after surgery and can return to daily activities relatively quickly compared to older surgical techniques. After spinal fusion, patients must avoid lifting heavy objects, as well as twisting or bending movements of the lower back. Usually, after about three months, they can slowly resume normal activities, and by one year post-surgery, most patients return fully to their previous physical and even sports activities.
English 
Greek