US Medical Term · procedures
Spinal Fusion
Fusión espinal
Also: Artrodesis vertebral (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Spinal Fusion |
| Spanish (Español) | Fusión espinal |
| Chinese (中文) | 脊椎融合術 |
| Korean (한국어) | 척추 유합술 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phẫu thuật hàn cột sống |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Spinal fusion |
| Portuguese (Português) | Fusão espinhal |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การผ่าตัดเชื่อมกระดูกสันหลัง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 脊椎固定術 |
What it means
Spinal fusion is surgery that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the spine so they heal into a single solid bone. It is done to eliminate painful motion between vertebrae caused by conditions such as degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spinal fractures, or instability. Bone graft material and hardware such as rods, screws, or plates may be used to hold the vertebrae in place while they fuse. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes two to six hours depending on the number of levels fused. Recovery varies widely but typically involves a hospital stay of two to four days and a return to light activity in four to six weeks. Full fusion may take several months.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My spine surgeon recommended spinal fusion after my back pain did not improve with other treatments.
Mi cirujano de columna recomendó una fusión espinal después de que mi dolor de espalda no mejoró con otros tratamientos.
Will spinal fusion limit my ability to bend or twist my back?
¿La fusión espinal limitará mi capacidad para doblarme o girar la espalda?
How long will I need to wear a back brace after spinal fusion surgery?
¿Cuánto tiempo necesitaré usar un corsé después de la cirugía de fusión espinal?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026