Expert Spine Surgery in Fort Dodge, Iowa

At Orthopedic Specialists, our fellowship-trained spine surgeons have nearly a decade of experience performing advanced cervical and lumbar spinal fusions.

What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae (the bones of your spine) to stop movement between them. This helps stabilize your spine, relieve pain, and ease symptoms caused by nerve pressure or instability. Spinal fusion is commonly performed in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.

At Orthopedic Specialists, our experienced spine surgeons have been providing expert lumbar and cervical spinal fusion surgeries for nearly 10 years, delivering personalized, advanced care to patients right here in Fort Dodge, Iowa, serving patients from across the Midwest.

Why Choose Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion surgery may be the best option if you experience:

• Chronic neck pain or back pain that hasn’t improved with nonsurgical treatments
• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness caused by nerve compression
• Spinal instability from conditions like herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or fractures
• Degenerative disc disease or slipped vertebrae (spondylolisthesis)

The goal is to eliminate painful motion between vertebrae, stabilize the spine, and protect your spinal cord and nerves.

Conditions We Treat with Spinal Fusion

Our spine specialists may recommend fusion to treat:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated or ruptured discs
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
• Spinal fractures or instability
• Chronic neck or back pain that has not improved with nonsurgical care

Types of Spinal Fusion Procedures We Offer

Cervical Spinal Fusion (Neck)

• Posterior Cervical Fusion: The surgeon makes a small incision at the back of the neck. Damaged discs are removed and replaced with bone graft material and screws to encourage the vertebrae to fuse.
• Anterior Cervical Fusion: An incision is made along the front neck crease. The surgeon removes the painful disc and inserts a bone graft, often stabilized with a small metal plate.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion (Lower Back)

• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): An incision in the lower back exposes the spine. Damaged bone and discs are removed, replaced with bone grafts, and possibly with titanium screws and rods for support.
• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): An incision in the abdomen allows access to the spine without disturbing nerves. The damaged disc is replaced with a metal cage filled with bone graft, secured with screws and rods to realign the vertebrae.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Spinal fusion is performed under general anesthesia, so you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. After surgery:

• You may stay in the hospital for a short recovery period, depending on the type of procedure.
• Initial healing can take a few weeks, after which you may gradually resume light activities.
• You may return to work in a few weeks to months, depending on your job and recovery progress.
• You may need to wear a brace to maintain spinal alignment during healing.
• Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and posture, tailored to your condition.
• Recovery times vary. Full fusion healing generally takes up to a year, and some loss of spinal flexibility in the treated area is common.

Benefits of Spinal Fusion Surgery

• Long-lasting relief from pain and neurological symptoms
• Improved stability and support for your spine
• Ability to return to activities you enjoy with less discomfort

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgery, spinal fusion carries risks including infection, bleeding, nerve injury, anesthesia complications, and challenges with bone healing. You may experience some loss of flexibility due to the fused vertebrae. Your orthopedic spine surgeon will discuss these risks thoroughly and help you decide if spinal fusion is the right treatment.

Why Choose Orthopedic Specialists for Spinal Fusion?

• Nearly 10 years of expertise in cervical and lumbar fusion surgeries
• Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons providing personalized care
• State-of-the-art surgical techniques and advanced technology
• Comprehensive support from your pre-surgery consultation through recovery and rehabilitation
• Convenient Fort Dodge location serving patients throughout the Midwest region

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If chronic neck or back pain is limiting your life, Orthopedic Specialists is here to help. We will review your symptoms, imaging studies, and medical history to determine if spinal fusion is the best option. Our orthopedic surgery team will collaborate with you to create a personalized surgical and recovery plan designed to enhance your quality of life.

To learn more about what to expect when you undergo cervical or lumbar spinal fusion, please visit our Surgery Preparation/Recovery page.