Fusion implies joining together of two elements. Spinal Fusion surgery involves a procedure in which two or more vertebrae of the spine are joined together as a remedial step to relieve patients of pain and to provide stability. 

This surgery is indicated in cases of conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal instability, scoliosis, tumors or infections, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and accident injury. 

India could be the best option for this procedure. Learn more about it and why India is to be preferred. 

Symptoms when you may need spinal fusion surgery

Patients often complain of one or more recurring symptoms or persistent symptoms such as back pain, radiating pain in the limbs, weakness, tingling sensation, and numbness. 

They may resort to physiotherapy but with little success. This is because of conditions such as degenerative disc disease and others that do not respond to massage or exercise. 

Diagnosis

A physician will conduct a thorough physical checkup and recommend X-rays, MRI and CT Scan to determine the exact location of the damage and the condition. Based on this evaluation, the physician may recommend a spinal fusion surgery. 

Spinal fusion surgery Treatment

The patient arrives in the hospital and remains on an empty stomach the night before the procedure. When the procedure begins, he is administered a general anesthetic. 

The surgeon makes a cut in the back or the neck, depending on the location of the damage. The damaged vertebra or portions are removed, and the doctor then harvests bone material from the patient’s own body and places it in the gap. 

He then inserts metal plates and rods and screws everything together to stabilize the spine. 

The doctor then stitches back the incision and the patient is put into Intensive Care where he remains under observation for a couple of days.

Patients may stay in the hospital for a few days and then go home. Doctors advise rest and physiotherapy as well as pain medications. 

Success rate in spinal fusion surgery

Given modern equipment’s and surgical procedures, the success rate ranges from 60% to 95%, depending on the patient’s age, condition, extent of damage, and the neurosurgeon’s skills. Patients report reduced or nil pain and recovery of functions over time. 

Risks in spinal fusion surgery

As with any other surgical procedure, spinal fusion also has its risks. There is a risk of inadvertent damage to vital nerves that could affect organs and their functions. In some rare cases there may be fatality.  

Blood clots may form, the incision may not heal properly, and there may be scar tissue. 

Besides, the body may reject the implant, or the bone fusion may not proceed properly. Patients should discuss this issue in detail with their physician. 

Why India is the best option for spinal fusion surgery

India could be the best option for spinal fusion surgery for a variety of reasons:

• India has some of the best, highly qualified professional neurosurgeons and healthcare professionals at all levels. 
• India has excellent private clinics and hospitals with the best equipments and personnel.
• India has a reputation for caring and for a human touch that patients need and appreciate. 
• Costs are the lowest and yet treatment is world-class. 
• There is no waiting period: you may get X-rays, CT scans, and MRI done, followed by the surgery without any waiting period.