Trusted Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery
Restoring Stability to Your Spine
Posterior spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts and hardware, stabilizing the spine and limiting movement between the fused segments. It's often recommended for conditions like spondylolisthesis, where a vertebra has slipped out of place, or significant spine deformities such as scoliosis.
At HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care, Dr. John Shiau and Dr. John Morrison determine which segments of the spine need stabilizing before recommending this procedure, since the approach varies based on the underlying condition.
If spinal instability or a progressing condition is affecting your daily life, request a consultation with HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care today.
What to Expect from Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery
Understanding the Procedure and Recovery
When Posterior Spinal Fusion Is Recommended
This procedure is typically considered when:
- A vertebra has slipped and continues to progress despite conservative treatment
- A spine deformity is severe or affecting daily function
- A herniated or bulging disc has led to ongoing instability
- Prior treatment hasn't provided lasting stability
How the Procedure Works
The surgeon accesses the spine from the back, placing bone graft material between the affected vertebrae along with screws and rods to hold them in place while the bone fuses over time. This creates a solid, stable segment of spine that no longer moves independently.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery from spinal fusion tends to be more gradual than less invasive procedures, and generally follows this pattern:
- Right After Surgery: A hospital stay of a few days is common for monitoring and initial recovery.
- First Few Weeks: Activity is limited while the fusion begins to set, often with a brace for support.
- Longer Term: Full fusion can take several months, with physical therapy supporting a gradual return to normal activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does posterior spinal fusion differ from translumbar interbody fusion?
Posterior spinal fusion accesses the spine from the back to stabilize the affected vertebrae with bone graft and hardware, while translumbar interbody fusion also places a spacer directly between the vertebral bodies to support the front portion of the spine. Your surgeon will recommend the approach, or combination of approaches, that best addresses your specific condition.
How long does it take to know if spinal fusion surgery was successful?
Because the bone needs time to fully fuse, it can take several months to a year to know the complete outcome of spinal fusion surgery, though many patients notice improvement in stability and pain well before the fusion is fully solid. Follow-up imaging helps your surgeon confirm that the fusion is progressing as expected.
Does insurance cover posterior spinal fusion surgery?
HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care accepts most major insurance plans. Coverage details vary by plan, so our team is happy to go over what applies to your specific situation during a consultation.
Will transportation be provided on the day of my surgery?
Yes. The surgical center provides transportation to and from the center on the day of your posterior spinal fusion, so you don't have to worry about driving or finding parking. New York and New Jersey both require a companion to accompany you on the day of surgery, and this service helps take care of that requirement too, which is often a relief for patients who don't have someone available to drive them.
Why should I choose HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care for posterior spinal fusion near me?
Finding the right spine specialist near you means finding a team with experience across the full range of fusion techniques. Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison bring that expertise to every posterior spinal fusion procedure, tailored to your specific diagnosis.
Serving patients across New York and New Jersey, our team is ready to help you find lasting spinal stability.