Woman with degenerative disc disease seeking spinal surgery

Spinal Fusion Surgery

Restoring Stability & Relieving Chronic Spinal Pain

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What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure designed to stabilise the spine by permanently joining two or more vertebrae. It is commonly performed to relieve pain, correct spinal instability, and restore function in patients with degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, or deformities such as scoliosis. By fusing the vertebrae, movement in the affected spinal segment is eliminated, reducing pain caused by excessive motion or nerve compression.

Whenever possible, Mr Gordan Grahovac prioritises non-surgical treatments before recommending spinal fusion surgery. His patient-first approach ensures that physiotherapy, pain management, and lifestyle modifications are explored before considering surgical intervention.

Who Benefits from Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion is recommended for patients experiencing:

Each case is carefully assessed to determine the most suitable fusion technique for long-term spinal health and pain relief.

Spinal Fusion Procedures

  • Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) – Open & Minimally Invasive


    A spinal fusion approach where a bone graft is placed between the vertebrae from the back.

    How it works: The damaged disc is removed through an incision in the lower back, and a bone graft or spacer is inserted to promote fusion.

    Conditions it treats: Degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, and recurrent herniated discs.

    Recovery time: Most patients recover within 8–12 weeks, with full healing taking 6–12 months.

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  • Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) – Open & Minimally Invasive


    A lateral approach to lumbar fusion that allows for minimal disruption of surrounding tissues.

    How it works: The damaged disc is removed through a small incision, and a bone graft or implant is placed to stabilise the spine.

    Conditions it treats: Lumbar instability, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis.

    Recovery time: Most patients resume daily activities within 8–12 weeks.

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  • Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)


    A spinal fusion approach performed through the abdomen to minimise disruption of the back muscles.

    How it works: A small incision is made in the front of the lower abdomen, and the damaged disc is removed and replaced with a bone graft or implant.

    Conditions it treats: Severe degenerative disc disease and spinal instability.

    Recovery time: Most patients recover within 8–12 weeks, with full fusion taking up to 6–12 months.

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  • Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (Cervical Disc Replacement)


    A motion-preserving alternative to cervical spinal fusion, replacing the damaged disc with an artificial implant.

    How it works: The affected cervical disc is removed, and an artificial disc is implanted to maintain natural movement.

    Conditions it treats: Cervical degenerative disc disease and herniated discs.

    Recovery time: Most patients recover within 6–12 weeks.

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  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)


    A common cervical spine surgery that decompresses nerves and stabilises the neck.

    How it works: The damaged disc is removed through an incision in the front of the neck, and a bone graft is inserted for fusion.

    Conditions it treats: Cervical stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and nerve compression.

    Recovery time: Most patients return to light activities within 6–12 weeks.

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  • Posterior Cervical Fusion


    A fusion procedure performed from the back of the neck to treat spinal instability and severe cervical degeneration.

    How it works: The vertebrae are stabilised using a bone graft and instrumentation, such as screws and rods.

    Conditions it treats: Cervical instability, fractures, and post-laminectomy fusion.

    Recovery time: Full recovery typically takes 3–6 months.

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  • Thoracic Fusion


    A fusion procedure focused on stabilising the thoracic (mid-back) region of the spine.

    How it works: A bone graft and instrumentation are used to fuse thoracic vertebrae, often following trauma or tumour removal.

    Conditions it treats: Thoracic fractures, spinal deformities, and metastatic spinal tumours.

    Recovery time: Most patients recover within 8–12 weeks.

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  • Sacroiliac Joint Fusion (SIJ Fusion)


    A fusion technique for stabilising the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis.

    How it works: A small incision is made, and implants are placed to permanently fuse the sacroiliac joint.

    Conditions it treats: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and chronic lower back pain.

    Recovery time: Most patients return to daily activities within 6–12 weeks.

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  • Cervical Corpectomy & Fusion


    Used to relieve spinal cord compression in the neck by removing part of the vertebral body and stabilising the spine with a bone graft or implant.

    How it works: The affected vertebral body and adjacent discs are surgically removed. A cage with bone graft is then inserted to promote spinal fusion and restore alignment.

    Conditions it treats: Cervical spinal stenosis causing spinal cord compression, multilevel degenerative disc disease, cervical fractures, tumours, infections and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

    Recovery time: Most patients return to daily activities within 6–12 weeks.

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  • Minimally Invasive Spinal Stabilisation


    Designed to stabilise the spine using small incisions and specialised instruments, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues and speeding up recovery.

    How it works: Through small keyhole incisions, screws, rods, or implants are inserted to support the spine and fuse unstable segments. Real-time imaging or robotics ensures precise placement, minimising muscle disruption, blood loss and reduces infection.

    Conditions it treats: Spinal instability, degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, spondylolisthesis, and certain spinal deformities.

    Recovery time: Most patients return to light activities in 2–4 weeks.

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Recovery & Long-Term Results

Recovery from spinal fusion surgery varies based on the approach used, the number of fused vertebrae, and adherence to post-operative care. Mr Gordan Grahovac provides a structured recovery plan to support healing and optimise spinal function.

  • Most patients are discharged within 2–4 days, depending on the procedure.

    • Pain management includes prescribed medications and anti-inflammatory treatments.

    • Patients should avoid excessive bending, twisting, and heavy lifting.

    • Light movement, such as short walks, is encouraged to support circulation and healing.

    • Physiotherapy begins within a few weeks to restore strength, mobility, and posture.

    • Postural correction and ergonomic adjustments help prevent future spinal strain.

    • Most patients resume light activities and work within 6–12 weeks.

    • High-impact activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for up to 3–6 months.

    • Significant pain relief from spinal instability and nerve compression.

    • Improved spinal alignment and mobility.

    • Reduced reliance on pain medications.

    • Enhanced quality of life with restored movement and stability.

Woman recovering from back surgery

Why Choose Mr Gordan Grahovac for Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Gordan headshot, spine surgeon in london

With over 20 years of experience, Mr Gordan Grahovac is a leading Consultant Neurosurgeon & Complex Spinal Surgeon in London, specialising in spinal fusion procedures. He is highly skilled in:

  • Minimally Invasive Techniques – Reducing recovery time, pain, and surgical risks.

  • Patient-Centred Treatment Plans – Tailoring every approach to individual needs.

  • Cutting-Edge Technology – Using advanced techniques for precision and effectiveness.

  • Holistic Recovery Approach – Combining surgery with non-invasive therapies for long-term spinal health.

His patient-first approach ensures the best possible outcomes by integrating precision surgery with conservative recovery strategies.

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What Patients Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions: Spinal Fusion Surgery

  • No, spinal fusion is only recommended when non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, pain management, and lifestyle modifications fail to provide relief.

  • Fusion stabilises the affected spinal segment, but most patients retain flexibility in the surrounding areas, allowing for near-normal movement.

  • The fusion process takes 3–6 months, but full recovery and spinal strengthening may take up to 12 months.

  • Low-impact activities may resume after 3–6 months, while high-impact sports should be introduced gradually under medical supervision.

Take the First Step Towards a Pain-Free Life

Spinal Fusion Surgery provides long-term relief from chronic pain and spinal instability. If you're struggling with back or neck pain, expert spinal care can help.

Book a consultation with Mr Gordan Grahovac today to discuss whether Spinal Fusion Surgery is right for you.

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