What is a double spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion is surgery to join two or more vertebrae into one single structure. The goal is to stop movement between the two bones and prevent back pain. Once they’re fused, they no longer move like they used to. This keeps you from stretching nearby nerves, ligaments, and muscles that may have caused discomfort.

How many vertebrae can be fused together?

Two vertebrae need to be fused to stop the motion at one segment. For example, an L4-L5 fusion is a one-level spinal fusion. A two-level fusion joins three vertebrae together and so on.

How long does it take to recover from a double spinal fusion?

Your Recovery It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework. It may take 6 months to a year for your back to get better completely. You may need to wear a back brace while your back heals. And your doctor may have you go to physiotherapy.

Can you have multiple spinal fusions?

Instead of fusing the vertebrae at one location, fusion may occur at two or three locations. This is known as multi-level spinal fusion. Dr. Chang has performed countless multi-level spinal fusion operations, and he’d be happy to provide you with a consultation if you’re dealing with spine pain.

Can you have more than one spinal fusion?

Can you redo a spinal fusion?

Introduction: Instrumented spinal fusion is a common procedure for patients with spinal deformity or degenerative wear-and-tear disorders. Today, most patients do well following spine surgery even 8 years after surgery but some will ultimately require a revision or a “re-do” of their primary surgery(1) .

Does Fusion lead to another?

Fusion Can Cause Adjacent Segment Disease And next thing you know, you’re chasing your ASD up or down your spine. So, yes, one fusion is one fusion too many. And if you’ve already had one fusion, this doesn’t mean you have to say yes to another one.