Spine Care
Lumbar Fixation (Spinal Fusion)
Spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae into a single, solid bone — eliminating painful movement when instability, deformity, or severe disc degeneration has not responded to conservative care.
How It Works
Creating a Solid, Stable Segment
The surgery places bone graft material between vertebrae. Over months, the vertebrae and graft grow together into solid bone. Screws, rods, or cages hold everything in position while fusion occurs.
- Bone graft options — autograft (your own bone), allograft (donor bone), or synthetic substitutes.
- Surgical approaches — posterior (from the back), anterior (from the front), or lateral (from the side).
Indications
When Fusion May Be Recommended
Spondylolisthesis
When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Severe disc breakdown causing chronic, disabling pain.
Stenosis With Instability
When decompression alone would leave the spine unstable.
Spinal Fractures
Certain fractures require fusion to restore stability.
Scoliosis or Kyphosis
Progressive spinal deformities causing significant symptoms.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
Most patients try at least 6 to 12 weeks of physiotherapy, pain management, activity modification, and injections first. Some manage symptoms successfully without an operation.
Recovery Timeline
What to Expect Afterwards
Hospital Stay
Most patients stay 2 to 4 days. Walking is encouraged early, with no bending, lifting, or twisting.
Early Activity
Limited activity at first, then a gradual increase. Light desk duties may become possible around 6 weeks.
Full Fusion
Bone fusion solidifies from around 3 months; full fusion at 6 to 12 months allows a return to most activities, including some sports.
Smoking significantly delays bone healing. Patients who smoke have higher rates of fusion failure, so stopping before surgery improves the chance of a solid fusion.
An Informed Decision
Fusion is major surgery —
its risks and benefits are discussed in full before any decision is made.
Risks
Risks & Complications
Spinal fusion is major surgery. Risks include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, hardware failure, and non-union (failure of the bones to fuse). Adjacent-segment disease may develop years later as levels above or below the fusion undergo increased stress.
These risks are discussed in detail during surgical planning so you can make an informed decision.
Red Flags After Surgery
Contact Your Surgeon If You Have
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage at the incision
- New or worsening leg weakness or numbness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe headache that worsens when sitting up (possible spinal-fluid leak)
Get Started
Been Told You May Need Fusion?
Call +966 50 580 8852 for a second opinion or to discuss your options with Professor Al-Othman.
Related
Related Spine Conditions
Spinal Stenosis
Decompression with fusion is used when stenosis surgery would leave the spine unstable.
Disc Prolapse
Fusion may follow discectomy when a disc must be completely removed.
Corrective Surgery
Deformity correction for scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis often uses fusion.