Dr Sayuj Krishnan - Brain & Spine SurgeonDr Sayuj KrishnanHomepage

Spinal Fusion Surgery in Hyderabad

Expert spinal fusion surgery for spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, and spinal deformity. Advanced techniques including TLIF, PLIF, ALIF, and ACDF procedures.

"We follow a motion-preserving first approach. Fusion is recommended only when necessary for spinal stability and optimal patient outcomes."

— Dr. Sayuj Krishnan

What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently connects two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion between them. This is achieved by placing bone graft material between the vertebrae and using metal hardware (screws, rods, cages) to hold them together until the bone heals and fuses.

Dr. Sayuj Krishnan specializes in advanced fusion techniques, using a "motion-preserving first" approach. Fusion is recommended only when necessary for spinal stability, while preferring minimally invasive decompression when appropriate.

When is Spinal Fusion Recommended?

Spinal Instability

Abnormal movement between vertebrae causing pain and nerve compression

Symptoms:

  • Mechanical back pain
  • Pain with movement
  • Muscle spasms
  • Nerve symptoms

Fusion Benefit:

Stabilizes the spine and eliminates painful motion

Spondylolisthesis

Slippage of one vertebra over another

Symptoms:

  • Lower back pain
  • Leg pain
  • Difficulty walking
  • Muscle weakness

Fusion Benefit:

Prevents further slippage and stabilizes the spine

Recurrent Disc Herniation

Multiple episodes of disc herniation at the same level

Symptoms:

  • Recurrent leg pain
  • Failed previous surgery
  • Persistent symptoms

Fusion Benefit:

Eliminates the disc space to prevent future herniations

Spinal Deformity

Abnormal curvature or alignment of the spine

Symptoms:

  • Progressive deformity
  • Pain
  • Neurological symptoms
  • Cosmetic concerns

Fusion Benefit:

Corrects deformity and prevents progression

Spinal Fusion Techniques

TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

Posterior approach with cage placement through the foramen

Advantages:

  • Less muscle damage
  • Better nerve visualization
  • Reduced blood loss

Indications:

  • Lumbar instability
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Recurrent disc herniation

Recovery Time

6-12 weeks

Success Rate

85-90%

PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

Traditional posterior approach with bilateral cage placement

Advantages:

  • Proven technique
  • Good fusion rates
  • Familiar approach

Indications:

  • Severe disc degeneration
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Deformity correction

Recovery Time

8-12 weeks

Success Rate

80-85%

ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

Anterior approach through the abdomen for cage placement

Advantages:

  • No muscle cutting
  • Large cage placement
  • Better lordosis restoration

Indications:

  • L5-S1 fusion
  • Deformity correction
  • Failed posterior fusion

Recovery Time

6-10 weeks

Success Rate

90-95%

ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)

Anterior approach for cervical disc removal and fusion

Advantages:

  • Direct disc access
  • No muscle cutting
  • Excellent outcomes

Indications:

  • Cervical disc herniation
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Cervical instability

Recovery Time

4-8 weeks

Success Rate

90-95%

Fusion vs Motion-Preserving Alternatives

Decision Tree

Step 1: Is there spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, or deformity? If YES → Consider fusion

Step 2: Is the spine stable with only nerve compression? If YES → Consider endoscopic decompression first

Step 3: Single level disease with preserved motion? If YES → Consider disc replacement

Endoscopic Decompression

Minimally invasive nerve decompression without fusion

Advantages:

  • Preserves motion
  • Faster recovery
  • Less invasive

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for instability
  • May not address deformity

When to Choose:

Stable spine with isolated nerve compression

Artificial Disc Replacement

Replaces damaged disc with artificial device

Advantages:

  • Preserves motion
  • Prevents adjacent segment disease

Limitations:

  • Limited availability
  • Specific indications
  • Higher cost

When to Choose:

Single level disease with preserved motion

Dynamic Stabilization

Flexible stabilization system that allows some motion

Advantages:

  • Preserves some motion
  • Less rigid than fusion

Limitations:

  • Limited long-term data
  • Specific indications

When to Choose:

Selected cases of mild instability

Imaging and Surgical Planning

Pre-operative Imaging

  • •MRI for soft tissue and nerve assessment
  • •CT scan for bone anatomy and planning
  • •X-rays for alignment and motion assessment
  • •DEXA scan for bone quality assessment (if needed)

Surgical Planning

  • ✓3D reconstruction for optimal approach
  • ✓Implant sizing and positioning
  • ✓Risk assessment and mitigation
  • ✓Patient-specific approach selection

Risks and How We Mitigate Them

Potential Risks

  • •Infection (rare with proper technique)
  • •Nerve injury or damage
  • •Blood loss (minimized with techniques)
  • •Non-union (failure to fuse)
  • •Adjacent segment disease

Our Safety Measures

  • ✓Intraoperative neuromonitoring
  • ✓Careful blood loss control
  • ✓Strict infection prevention protocols
  • ✓Optimal bone graft techniques
  • ✓Careful patient selection

Recovery Timeline

Return to Work

  • Desk Work4-6 weeks
  • Light Manual Work8-12 weeks
  • Heavy Manual Work3-6 months

Activity Restrictions

  • •No heavy lifting for 6-12 weeks
  • •Bracing may be required for 6-12 weeks
  • •Gradual return to activities
  • •Physical therapy for 3-6 months

Costs in Hyderabad

Typical Cost Ranges

  • TLIF (1 level)₹2,50,000 - ₹4,00,000
  • PLIF (1 level)₹2,00,000 - ₹3,50,000
  • ALIF (1 level)₹2,50,000 - ₹4,50,000
  • ACDF (1 level)₹1,50,000 - ₹2,50,000

Insurance & Payment

  • ✓Most insurance plans cover spinal fusion
  • ✓Cashless treatment available
  • ✓Implant coverage included
  • ✓Pre-authorization assistance

Why Choose Dr. Sayuj for Spinal Fusion?

MISS-First Approach

  • •Minimally invasive techniques when possible
  • •Fusion only when medically indicated
  • •Motion-preserving alternatives considered first

Expertise & Outcomes

  • •Advanced training in spinal fusion techniques
  • •High fusion success rates (85-95%)
  • •Comprehensive pre and post-operative care

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I consider fusion instead of decompression?

Fusion is considered when there is spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, or spinal deformity. If the spine is stable and only nerve compression is present, decompression alone may be sufficient. Dr. Sayuj follows a "motion-preserving first" approach, recommending fusion only when necessary.

How long does bone fusion take?

Bone fusion typically takes 3-6 months to become solid, though this varies by individual. Factors affecting fusion time include patient age, smoking status, bone quality, and the specific fusion technique used. X-rays and CT scans are used to monitor fusion progress.

Will I lose motion after spinal fusion?

Yes, fusion eliminates motion at the fused levels. However, the impact on overall spinal function depends on the number of levels fused and their location. Single-level fusions typically have minimal impact on daily activities, while multi-level fusions may result in more noticeable motion restriction.

What about adjacent segment disease?

Adjacent segment disease refers to degeneration at levels above or below a fusion. While this can occur, the risk is relatively low (5-15% over 10 years). Dr. Sayuj uses techniques to minimize this risk, including preserving natural spinal alignment and using appropriate fusion techniques.

Is disc replacement an option for me?

Disc replacement may be an option for single-level cervical or lumbar disc disease in patients with preserved motion and no significant instability. Dr. Sayuj will evaluate your specific condition to determine if disc replacement is appropriate for your case.

What is the hospital stay and return-to-work timeline?

Hospital stay is typically 3-5 days for lumbar fusion and 1-2 days for cervical fusion. Return to desk work is usually possible within 4-6 weeks, while return to manual labor may take 3-6 months. Recovery time varies based on the specific procedure and individual factors.

Will insurance cover spinal fusion implants?

Most insurance plans cover spinal fusion surgery including implants when medically necessary. We work with all major insurance providers and TPAs to ensure coverage. Our team will help verify your benefits and handle pre-authorization if required.

What are the risks of spinal fusion surgery?

Potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, implant failure, non-union (failure to fuse), and adjacent segment disease. Dr. Sayuj uses advanced techniques including neuromonitoring, careful patient selection, and optimal surgical planning to minimize these risks.

Discuss Spinal Fusion Options

Minimally invasive options first—fusion only when needed • Expert evaluation and personalized treatment plan

Book ConsultationLearn About MISS Options

Medically reviewed by Dr Sayuj Krishnan — MBBS, DNB Neurosurgery (Direct 6 years), Fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Advanced Spine Surgery
Last reviewed: October 1, 2025