Spinal Fusion Surgery Mumbai — Dr. Amit Chugh

What is Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins (fuses) two or more vertebrae together, eliminating motion at that segment. It is performed when the source of pain is an unstable or degenerated spinal segment, and when conservative management has failed to provide adequate relief.

Modern spinal fusion uses interbody cages (packed with bone graft or bone substitutes) placed in the disc space, combined with pedicle screws and connecting rods for immediate rigid fixation. Over 3–12 months, bone grows through the cage creating a solid fusion. Dr. Chugh performs all fusions using minimally invasive (MIS) techniques whenever appropriate, dramatically reducing recovery time.

Fusion Techniques

TLIF (Transforaminal Interbody Fusion)

Posterior approach through the foramen; one of the most versatile fusion techniques. MIS-TLIF performed through tubular retractors — minimal muscle damage. Best for L3-S1.

PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

Two cages placed through a posterior approach. Direct nerve root decompression. Good visualisation. Suitable for central stenosis with instability.

OLIF / ALIF

Lateral or anterior approaches — superior disc height and lordosis restoration. No posterior muscle damage. See dedicated pages for details.

Hybrid Fusion

Combination of anterior/lateral interbody cage with posterior percutaneous pedicle screws — optimal stability and correction for complex deformity and multi-level disease.

Indications for Spinal Fusion

Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage) with instability
Spinal stenosis combined with instability
Degenerative disc disease causing intractable back and leg pain
Recurrent disc herniation at the same level
Spinal fracture instability
After decompression when structural instability is created

Recovery

Days 1–3

Walking same day or day 1. Discharged day 3–4 for MIS fusion (day 5–7 for open multi-level).

Weeks 2–6

Walking programme. Lumbar brace. Light activities. Work from home possible at week 4–6.

3 Months

Physiotherapy commenced. Early fusion seen on CT/X-ray. Return to active life.

6–12 Months

Solid fusion confirmed. Full return to activities. Ongoing core maintenance exercises.

Spinal Fusion Surgery