Spinal fusion is typically recommended when conservative treatments (like medication, physical therapy, injections) have failed to alleviate persistent and severe back or neck pain caused by conditions such as:
Degenerative disc disease: Worn-out or damaged spinal discs causing instability and pain.
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal putting pressure on nerves.
Spondylolisthesis: One vertebra slipping forward over another.
Spinal deformities: Like scoliosis or kyphosis.
Spinal fractures: To stabilize broken vertebrae.
Spinal tumors or infections: To remove diseased tissue and stabilize the spine.
Your surgeon will explain how your specific condition is causing your symptoms and how fusion is expected to address it.
Disc replacement surgery provides a less invasive alternative to spinal fusion surgery and protects against adjacent level degeneration.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. med. Karsten Ritter-Lang M.D.
Diploma of medicine (Institut of Immunology Charité)
1988 – 1991
Doctorade of medicine (Institut of Immunology Charité)
Senior consultant of spinal surgery in two hospitals (DRK Berlin Westend and Stenum Hospital) and private practice in Potsdam,ENDOCERT Certified awarded the title and certification of Specialist for Trauma Surgery (Facharzt für Unfallchirurgie) in 2009