Introduction
Are you experiencing discomfort, pain, and sensations of numbness in your lower back and legs while seeking effective and economical treatment options?
Lumbar spine fusion surgery is a procedure that connects two or more vertebrae in the lower back. This surgery helps relieve pain from problems like degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis, and it can also restore nerve function, improve weakness, and reduce numbness and tingling.
Looking for an appropriate and affordable solution presents a valuable opportunity.
India delivers exceptional treatment options for lumbar spine fusion surgery at affordable costs. The country has renowned hospitals and highly skilled and board-certified orthopedic surgeons who provide advanced care and the best treatment options for the needs of international patients.
What is Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery?
Lumbar fusion is a type of spine surgery that connects two or more bones in your lower back. The surgery helps the bones grow together into one solid bone and reduces movement between them, which can relieve pain caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis. Additionally, it is also done along with another surgery to remove pressure from the spine. If a lot of bone is removed, the spine may become unstable, so fusion helps keep it strong.
There are two main ways to do a spinal fusion:
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Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
It is typically performed as an open surgery to provide clear visualization of the disc space and vasculature. However, in this approach, the spine is approached from the front of the body to remove all or part of a herniated disc from between two adjacent vertebrae in the lumbar spine.
It may also be performed either as an open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques; however, the incisions are made from the back (posterior) over the area to be fused.
What are The Types of Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion is a surgery that helps fix different spine problems, such as:
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Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs between your spinal bones wear out.
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Herniated discs occur when a disc in your spine bulges and breaks.
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Spinal stenosis is a condition narrowing of the spaces in your spine.
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Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one spinal bone slips over another.
Types of Spinal Fusion
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Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is used for lower back problems and fuses the front and back of the spine. A bone graft and special device help stabilize the front, while screws and rods support the back. It can be done with a minimally invasive technique (MIS-TLIF), which means smaller cuts and faster healing.
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Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF)
Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF) is a minimally invasive surgery for treating problems in the lower back. The surgeon reaches the disc space through a side approach. This helps them to remove damaged disc material and insert a bone graft to join the vertebrae. OLIF is often used for conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spinal instability as well.
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Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) is also called extreme lateral interbody fusion. This is a minimally invasive surgery for the lower back.
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Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion treats lower back issues. The surgeon reaches your spine from the back, and it can be done as an open or minimally invasive surgery.
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Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
The surgeon removes a damaged disc and fuses the spine, and it can be done from the front of your body. A minimally invasive method is used for treating herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and other lower back problems.
What are The Types of Implants Used in Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery?
◾Cages
These are small devices used in spinal fusion surgery, and they help hold two bones (vertebrae) together when new bone grows around the cage, making the spine stronger.
◾Plates
These are thin, flat metal pieces that are attached to two vertebrae with screws and plates to keep the bones stable while still helping some movement in the spine.
◾Rods
These are long metal bars used in spinal fusion surgery, and they are attached to the spine with screws and hooks to keep it straight.
◾Artificial Discs
These discs replace damaged natural discs between the bones in your back. Unlike fusion surgery, artificial discs help movement and last longer than natural discs.
◾Expandable Rods
These are used to straighten the spine without joining the bones together. They are often used in children with scoliosis to reduce the need for multiple surgeries.
Which Types of Devices are Used in Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery?
In lumbar spine fusion surgeries in India, a variety of advanced medical devices are used to stabilize the spine fusion of vertebrae, such as:
These devices are implanted between vertebrae to maintain disc height and alignment, providing a scaffold for bone growth and fusion, commonly made from titanium and carbon fiber, helping strengthen and improve biocompatibility. For example, the RISE™ Spacer by Globus Medical is an expandable titanium interbody spacer that helps with posterior approaches like Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF).
The pedicle screw system is used to provide internal fixation by screws into the vertebrae, connected by rods to stabilize the spine during the fusion process. Generally, it is constructed from titanium alloys for compatibility.
Spinal plating systems help to provide additional stability, especially in cases involving multiple vertebrae and significant spinal instability, and they are made from high-strength metals like titanium to ensure support.
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Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments
Specialized tools are used in procedures like endoscopic spine surgery for smaller incisions, reduced muscle disruption, and faster recovery. Techniques such as endoscopic spine surgery with a lens at the tip of the endoscope enhance visibility and reduce blood loss.
Why is Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery Performed?
Lumbar spine fusion surgery helps make the spine stronger, correct problems, and reduce pain. It can also help in the following cases:
Scoliosis is a condition in which your spine curves to the side. Generally, your spine has a slight curve forward and backward, but with scoliosis, it bends to the left and right.
An unstable spine means that the spine cannot hold its usual structure and alignment, and this happens because the ligaments, discs, and bones are damaged. At last, the vertebrae can move too much, which may cause pain, irritate nerves, and possibly harm the spinal cord.
A damaged disc in the spine happens when the discs that sit between the bones of the spine break down and bulge out, which causes pain, numbness, and weakness.
Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery Cost Breakdown
The costs associated with lumbar spine fusion surgeries are lower in India than in other countries due to various factors such as the types of procedures, diagnoses, surgical expenses, and post-operative care.
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Cost Component
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Details
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Estimated Cost in USD
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Pre-Operative Consultation and Diagnosis
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Consultations, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and blood tests.
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350 USD
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Surgery Costs
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Include surgeon charges, type of surgery, and hospital stay.
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4800 USD
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Rehabilitation and Follow-Up
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Physiotherapy sessions, medications, supportive devices, and follow-up visits.
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Variable for procedure
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Note
: The estimated cost and proper treatment plan will be provided after complete thorough evaluation.
Country-Wise Comparison of Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery Cost
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Country
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Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery Cost Structure
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India
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4800 USD
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United States
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110000 USD
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Germany
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6000-13000 USD
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Turkey
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6000-12000 USD
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Factors Affecting the Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery Cost in India
If you are seeking spinal fusion surgery in India, it's important to understand what affects the cost. Here are some important factors:
Spinal fusion can be performed for one, two, or more levels in the spine. The more levels that need to be fused, the more our surgeons will review your medical reports to determine how many levels need treatment, which can affect the overall lumbar spine fusion surgery cost.
The experience and expertise of the spine surgeon play an important role in the overall treatment. Highly skilled, board-certified surgeons charge more, but you can be sure you’re in safe hands.
Spinal fusion can be performed as open surgery, which may cost more, or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) uses advanced tools and techniques to reduce recovery time. And new surgical technologies, such as customized instruments and computer-assisted navigation, can also increase costs.
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Hospital and Surgical Facility Fees
The hospital you choose has a big impact on the total cost because operating room charges, medical equipment, nursing care, and hospital stays are all services with advanced facilities and cost more.
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Pre- and Post-Surgical Cost
Before surgery, you need tests like MRI scans, CT scans, and blood tests. After surgery, your doctor may prescribe medicines, physiotherapy sessions, and follow-up consultations, and all of these can affect the cost of treatment.
The city where you have the surgery also affects the cost because metro cities may have higher costs compared to smaller towns.
The Procedure of Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery
Before Surgery
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Before the surgery, your surgeon will check if you are healthy enough for the procedure, and then you will need to take some tests and screenings. Doctors may also give you certain medicines a week or two before the surgery to help prevent infections during and after surgery.
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Before going to the operating room, you will be given general anesthesia, which will make you sleep through the surgery.
During Surgery
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The surgeon makes a small cut near the affected area, and this could be on the neck, back, lower abdomen, or throat, depending on your surgery.
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The doctor reaches the fused vertebrae and uses bone grafts to join two vertebrae together, and the bone graft can be taken from your pelvis and also a bone bank.
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If taken from you, the doctor makes a small cut over the hip bone, removes a small part, and then closes the cut, if it is taken from a bone bank, then no extra surgery is needed.
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The doctor attaches the bone graft between the vertebrae using metal plates, screws, and rods to keep them in place.
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Finally, the doctor stitches the cut and covers it with surgical tape.
After Surgery
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After surgery, you will go to the recovery room for observation. Next, you will be moved to the ICU for one or two days for close monitoring. After that, you will go to a regular hospital ward until you are healthy enough to go home.
How Painful is Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery?
Lumbar spine fusion surgery itself doesn’t hurt because you will be under anesthesia. But after the surgery, you may feel pain as your body heals. Your doctor will help manage your pain, and some discomfort is normal during recovery.
Best Doctors for Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery in India
Suppose you are seeking skilled and experienced doctors for spine issues. You should come to India, where doctors provide expertise with personalized care and advanced techniques for complex lumbar spine fusion surgeries.
Best Hospitals for Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery in India
Indian hospitals deliver proficient orthopedic surgeons, innovative technology, and world-class care for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and supportive care for international patients.
Why Choose India for Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery?
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India has made great progress in spinal surgeries, especially with the use of robotic technology, because this advanced technique makes surgeries more precise and less painful and helps patients recover faster. That’s why India has become a top choice for spinal treatments.
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India has many of the best spine surgeons in the world, and they are highly trained and experienced in performing advanced spinal surgeries.
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The Lumbar spine fusion surgery cost in India is much lower than in Western countries like the USA and the UK, and this makes India an attractive and the best option for international patients.
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Indian hospitals have world-class facilities with the latest technology, modern operating theaters, and advanced imaging systems for safe and successful spine surgeries.
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Many hospitals in India are internationally accredited, like JCI and NABH, which ensure high standards of patient care and safety.
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Indian hospitals focus on the complete treatment process, such as pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery recovery, which helps patients heal faster and get back to their normal lives.
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With top-quality treatment at an affordable price, India is one of the best places for advanced and complicated spine surgery.
Why Choose RIHLATMED for Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery in India?
• Experienced Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurosurgeons
We connect you with highly skilled, board-certified orthopedic Surgeons with over 25 years of experience who ensure advanced care and reliable treatment for complicated spinal problems.
• JCI/NABH Accredited Hospitals
We partner with hospitals equipped with the newest technologies, including robotics, machine learning, and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools. These high-quality facilities deliver complete and personalized care for international patients.
• Additional Advantages
We provide quick responses, exact cost estimates, assistance with medical visas, accommodation in India, and priority scheduling with top doctors.
Moreover, we make your arrival in India easy with airport pickup, hotel transfers, and support during your hospital stay, ensuring a smooth experience during your treatment.
Conclusion
Lumbar spine fusion surgery is an important medical procedure that can help relieve pain and improve function for people with different spinal problems. Although it has risks and requires a significant recovery time, it can lead to less pain and a better quality of life for many patients.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general advice and does not represent an exact cost estimate. For personalized advice, connect with India’s leading doctors through
RIHLATMED
.
Contact us today for expert assistance.
