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.
About Your Surgeon
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.
- ✓ Muscle-sparing screw placement
- ✓ Risks explained at consultation
- ✓ Walking timed by the team
Implant Removal (Motion Preservation)
In young patients with healed fractures, the screws can often be removed after 9-12 months, with the aim of restoring 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.
Ready to take the next step?
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
- ✓ Aims to reduce stress on adjacent spinal levels
- ✓ Recovery planned for each patient
Dr. Sayuj evaluates each case individually to determine if you are a candidate for motion preservation or if stabilization (fusion) is necessary.
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 starts when the team advises. 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.
What to discuss before Spinal Fusion
Credentials discussed in clinic: MBBS and DNB Neurosurgery. Germany-related training is a German observership in full endoscopic spine surgery (2024).
Clinical assessment
Examination and imaging
Suitability for this procedure is decided after history, neurological examination, and review of your MRI or CT — not from a published percentage.
Counselling
Risks and alternatives
If a procedure is considered, the visit covers expected recovery, alternatives including non-surgical care, and questions to ask before consent.
Next step
Book an OPD visit
Request a consultation to discuss your scans. Discharge timing and recovery are individual and are discussed after examination.
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?
Fusion aims to stabilise an unstable segment and relieve the pain and nerve symptoms it causes. How likely it is to help in your case is discussed after examination and imaging.
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 may be considered because it preserves motion. If you have spinal instability (spondylolisthesis) or severe arthritis, Fusion (TLIF) is usually the option discussed. The choice is made after examination and imaging.
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 stabilise the spine and protect the spinal cord and nerves. 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 317, 3rd Floor, OPD Block, Yashoda Hospital, Nalgonda X Roads, Malakpet, Hyderabad 500036
Phone:+919778280044
Email:hellodr@drsayuj.info
