Posterior Spinal Fusion

If chronic back pain, spinal instability, or a spinal deformity is affecting your quality of life, orthopedic surgeon Robert H. Cho, MD, may recommend posterior spinal fusion. At his offices in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Cho offers this surgical procedure to stabilize your spine and maximize curve correction. Call the nearest office or book your consultation online today to find out for yourself why Dr. Cho has been the trusted surgeon for over a thousand spinal fusion procedures.

What is posterior spinal fusion? 

Posterior spinal fusion at the offices of Robert H. Cho is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae together through an incision made in the back (posterior) of your spine. 

The goal is to eliminate movement between specific vertebrae so they can heal into a single, solid bone over time.

To encourage the bones to fuse, Dr. Cho places bone graft material between them. Metal hardware, such as screws, rods, or plates, can hold your spine in proper alignment while the fusion heals.

What conditions can posterior spinal fusion treat? 

Posterior spinal fusion can address:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
• Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips over another)
• Spinal fractures or traumatic injuries
• Spinal instability caused by arthritis
• Certain spinal tumors or infections
• Recurrent spinal stenosis requiring stabilization

You may be a good candidate if you keep experiencing significant symptoms even after physical therapy, medications, injections, or other non-surgical treatments.

What happens during a posterior spinal fusion? 

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. During your surgery, any necessary decompression procedures, such as removing bone or tissue that’s compressing your nerves, may be completed first. 

Then, Dr. Cho makes an incision along the back of your spine to access the affected vertebrae. 

Next, he places bone graft material between the vertebrae that need to fuse. Specialized implants can stabilize the spine and maintain proper alignment.

Over the following months, the bone graft gradually grows and fuses the vertebrae together into one solid structure. Recovery times vary depending on the extent of the surgery and your overall health.

What are the benefits of posterior spinal fusion? 

Posterior spinal fusion can provide several important benefits, including:

• Reduced chronic back or neck pain
• Improved spinal stability
• Correction of spinal deformities
• Decreased nerve compression symptoms
• Enhanced mobility and function
• Improved quality of life and daily activity levels

By addressing the underlying cause of instability or deformity, posterior spinal fusion can help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

If you’re struggling with persistent spine-related pain or instability, Dr. Cho can evaluate your condition and determine whether posterior spinal fusion may be the right treatment option for you.

Call the nearest office of Robert H. Cho or request an appointment online today to learn more about posterior spinal fusion.