South Texas Spinal Clinic is happy to WELCOME our newest provider  Dr. Joel I. Edionwe to our practice!  New patient appointments are availalbe at our SA North Central / Stone Oak office.
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Spinal Fusion Specialist

South Texas Spinal Clinic Our Services Spinal Fusion
South Texas Spinal Clinic - - Orthopedic Surgeon

South Texas Spinal Clinic

Orthopedic Surgeons and Physical Therapists Located in San Antonio and South Texas

When you experience chronic back and leg pain due to a problem in your spine, a surgical procedure called spinal fusion may provide the relief you need. For spinal surgery, you want an experienced surgeon who specializes in the spine, which is the quality of medical care available from the orthopedic surgeons at South Texas Spinal Clinic. If you have questions or need help with back pain, call their office in the San Antonio or South Texas area or book an appointment online.

Spinal Fusion Q & A

What is Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more of the vertebrae are joined together. The goal is to eliminate pain caused by movement of the vertebrae. Fusion takes away some of your spine’s flexibility, but most fusions affect only two vertebrae.

Which Health Conditions May Benefit From a Spinal Fusion?

Your doctor at South Texas Spinal Clinic may recommend a spinal fusion to relieve pain caused by back conditions such as:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spine deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis
  • Spinal fracture
  • Infection
  • Tumors

What Happens During Spinal Fusion?

During the procedure, your surgeon from South Texas Spinal Clinic removes the disc between the vertebrae, then places a bone graft in that space. The graft may come from a bone bank, which supplies biocompatible bone that your body won’t reject, or a small piece of bone may be taken from your pelvis and used for the graft.

The bone graft stimulates healing, increasing bone production that helps the vertebrae fuse into one solid bone. In some cases, a large piece of bone is used to add structural support. After the graft, that portion of your spine is immobilized with rods, plates, wire, or screws to keep the spine steady while the bones fuse and heal.

Spinal fusion is performed using several approaches:

  • Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Your spine is accessed through an incision in your abdomen.
  • Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: This lumbar fusion is performed through an incision in your back.
  • Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: The spine is accessed through your back, and a single bone graft is put into place by removing a piece of the vertebrae called the facet.  
  • Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Your surgeon accesses the spine from small incisions on the side of your body.

Why is Recovery Time so Important?

It takes about three months for the bone to grow and fuse. During this time, you’ll need to avoid activities that may interfere with healing, such as bending, twisting, and lifting anything over 10-15 pounds. Your doctor may prescribe a back brace to keep the spine immobilized for six weeks to three months following your surgery.

What we offer

Orthopedic Services