Spinal Fusion Specialist

Institute of Spinal Disorders

Orthopedic Spine Surgery & General Orthopedic Surgery located in Hurst, TX & Fort Worth, TX

Surgery of any kind is usually the last resort for treating back pain. However, if your back pain doesn’t improve with conservative measures and the exact source of your pain has been identified, you may need a spinal fusion. Robert Myles, MD, FAAOS, and the surgical experts at the Institute of Spinal Disorders in Hurst and Fort Worth, Texas, use advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive spinal fusions, to ensure the best outcome for their patients. For a consultation to see if you would benefit from spinal fusion, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Spinal Fusion Q & A

What is spinal fusion?

A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses your spinal bones together to reduce pain caused by movement or to provide more stability in your spine. The surgical team at the Institute of Spinal Disorders performs spinal fusions on both the cervical and lumbar spine.

What types of back problems benefit from spinal fusion?

The team at the Institute of Spinal Disorders may recommend spinal fusion to reduce symptoms caused by a number of common back conditions. Spinal fusion surgery is often used if you have a condition such as:

Scoliosis
Herniated disc
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal fracture
Spinal stenosis
Spinal tumor

Dr. Myles only recommends a spinal fusion when conservative measures have failed to improve your symptoms, and they can pinpoint the exact source of your pain, which is usually done through diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray or MRI.

What can I expect during a spinal fusion?

At the Institute of Spinal Disorders, Dr. Myles can perform your spinal fusion using a number of different techniques, including a minimally invasive option that reduces the size of your incision and your recovery time. Due to the nature of the procedure, general anesthesia is used, so you’re asleep during your spinal fusion.

Once the incisions are made, Dr. Myles inserts a bone graft between your vertebrae. The spinal bones are then held together with metal plates or rods and screws to keep the bones and graft secure while they fuse together. Your incision is then closed, and you’re brought to the recovery room for monitoring.

A hospital stay of two to three days is usually necessary following a spinal fusion. In some cases, a synthetic substance may be used instead of a bone graft, which stimulates bone growth and speeds up healing.

How long is the recovery following spinal fusion?

Even after a minimally invasive spinal fusion, recovery can be long and painful. Dr. Myles provides specific instructions on what you can and can’t do following your surgery to keep the surgical area immobile so the bones can fuse together. The team at the Institute of Spinal Disorders monitors your progress closely throughout your recovery.

About six weeks after your surgery, you’ll start physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility. Your treatment is adjusted as needed based on your pain levels and response to therapy.

For compassionate care aimed at improving your quality of life, call the Institute of Spinal Disorders or book an appointment online today.

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