What Are the Risks and Complications of Spinal Fusion Surgery?

If a doctor has informed you that you need spinal fusion surgery, you must understand what it actually involves. In this post, we explain the risks and complications of spinal fusion surgery. This includes both medical and lifestyle issues.

Spinal fusion can change a patient's life for the better. However, it also has risks. Choosing an experienced and careful surgeon is important for a safe and successful result.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Common spinal fusion complications may include nonunion, infection, nerve injury, and hardware issues.

• Long-term downsides may involve reduced mobility, longer recovery, and risk of future degeneration at adjacent spinal levels.

• Not every patient needs spinal fusion.  Alternatives like endoscopic spine surgery may offer equal relief with fewer risks.

• Surgeon experience matters: Dr. Baig at Desert Spine takes a conservative-first approach to minimize risk and maximize outcomes.

• A complete evaluation is important to see if spinal fusion is right for you. It also helps to look at all options.

Has a doctor told you that you require spinal fusion surgery? Fusion is one of the most commonly performed types of spine surgeries, and for good reason. When spinal instability worsens and does not improve with non-surgical treatments, doctors often recommend fusion. This procedure helps restore strength and stability while reducing pain. 

That said, as is the case with other types of surgeries, spinal fusion does come with its fair share of potential risks and complications. That’s why it’s so important to choose your surgical provider wisely.

At Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center, we take a conservative-first approach to treating spinal conditions. That said, here’s what you need to know about spinal fusion’s risks to make an informed decision about your health. 

Spinal Fusion Complications & Risks to Know Before Surgery

Spinal fusion is successful precisely because it permanently joins two or more vertebrae together. This helps stabilize unstable spines. But it also eliminates motion between the vertebrae. 

Not only can patients find this adjustment challenging, but it also presents some potential complications.

Note that just because these things could happen doesn’t mean that they will – they are potential risks, not fated post-op realities. In other words, there’s a good chance that your fusion procedure, should you choose to undergo it, will be successful and risk-free.

Yet you should be aware of these:

• Nonunion: When bones don’t fuse properly, this is called a nonunion, and it often necessitates revision surgery.

• Adjacent Segment Disease: Extra stress on the spine areas above or below a fusion can cause degeneration over time.

• Inflection, Bleeding, or Nerve Injury: These are rare but possible with any surgery at or near the spine – not just fusion.

• Hardware Failure or Migration: Screws or plates may loosen or move before the bone fully heals.

Wondering if fusion is truly necessary in your case? Read more about key indicators here.

You can also check out AAOS’s complete spinal fusion guide. It helps you understand how fusion works, which materials doctors use, and why they choose it when other treatments do not work.

Mobility, Lifestyle, & Long-Term Drawbacks

Spinal fusion cons you should be aware of include:

• Decreased mobility of the spine (a more significant effect when several spinal levels are fused).

• More demanding healing time and a longer course of physical therapy than seen with minimally invasive techniques.

• Activity limitations during the initial recovery phase, including a ban on twisting, major lifting, or strenuous impact.

• Risk of future operations stemming from added strain on the spinal segments immediately above and below the fused area.

It's important to understand that most patients benefit more from spinal fusion than they are affected by its drawbacks. This is especially true for those who choose a skilled spine surgeon like Dr. Baig. 

How the Right Surgeon Can Help You Avoid Spinal Fusion Risks & Complications

Not every provider will tell you this bluntly, but not every patient needs spinal fusion. 

In many cases, less invasive options like endoscopic spinal surgery, disc replacement, or non-surgical treatments are enough.

An experienced surgeon like Dr. Baig can explain the risks and complications of cervical and lumbar spinal fusion surgery. He can then suggest the best treatment for your specific condition and needs. If surgery is needed, Dr. Baig can help patients minimize risks and complications as much as possible. 

Get Evaluated Now

The best way to find out if you need spinal fusion surgery is to see a skilled spine surgeon. They can assess your risk factors and chances of success.

Ready to get relief from pain? Book your evaluation appointment with Dr. Baig now.