Spine Fusion Surgery Dallas Fort Worth DFW TX

Spine Surgery / Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery / Spine Fusion Surgery

The pain management specialists and laser spine surgeons at DFW Laser Spine Institute are committed to helping patients in the Dallas and Fort Worth area find solutions for back pain. Our personalized treatment plans utilize minimally invasive options to provide relief for a variety of conditions. For patients with debilitating back pain that has not responded to non-surgical methods, spine fusion surgery may be a treatment option. Spine fusion surgery may be used to treat spinal deformities, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, or herniated discs.

How Does Spine Fusion Surgery Work?

The purpose of spine fusion surgery is to prevent motion between two affected vertebrae. This is achieved by inserting a bone graft between them, which is designed to initiate the body’s natural healing process to induce new bone growth which will fuse the vertebrae together. Once the vertebrae are fused, the spine can be more stable and painful movement between the vertebrae will be prevented.

Types of Spine Fusions

There are several methods of spine fusion surgery. Your DFW spine surgeon will evaluate your health and medical history and discuss your options with you to determine an effective treatment plan. Spine fusion surgery types include:

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) This type of spine fusion surgery is used to treat the front of the spine to relieve pain in the lumbar region and can be used when several discs are to be fused together.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Also performed in the anterior, or front of the spine, this fusion treats neck pain and is often performed in conjunction with a discectomy to remove a damaged disc.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Performed in the posterior, or back of the spine, this spine fusion surgery may be used to treat weakness or instability in the spine, often due to spondylolisthesis or degenerative disc disease.
eXtreme Lumbar Interbody Fusion (XLIF) This spine surgery is an advanced technique to approach the spine from the side of the body, a method that can be useful for patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis.

Results and Recovery from Spine Fusion Surgery

Patients receive optimal benefits from spine fusion when the root cause of their pain is determined prior to surgery. The specialists at DFW Laser Spine Institute are experienced in utilizing a variety of diagnostic tools to ascertain the cause of pain in order to recommend surgery. Since spine fusion surgery permanently connects two or more vertebrae, it will alter the movement of the spine and can change the patient’s range of motion. Patients who are committed to healthy lifestyle habits, including an approved exercise program and maintaining a healthy weight, may have the best results.

Spine fusion surgery will be performed with the patient under general anesthesia, and patients typically stay in the hospital for at least 2 days. Patients may need up to 4 weeks of recovery time before resuming work and should refrain from heavy lifting or bending for 3 months after surgery.

Am I a Candidate for Spine Fusion Surgery?

Spine fusion is a minimally invasive surgery that can provide relief for patients suffering from back pain, but it is not for everyone. If you have tried other minimally invasive interventions without results, and if your surgeon has been able to identify the precise cause of your pain, then spine fusion surgery may be an option for you. The best way to determine if spine fusion surgery may be able to help you is to consult an experienced spine surgeon. Get a free MRI review to get started or contact us to schedule a consultation in Frisco, Dallas, Colleyville, or Rockwall, Texas.

The Doctors at DFW Laser Spine Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.