David T. Chang, M.D., Ph.D., D.A.B.N.S.
Complex Spine Neurosurgeon located in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin
Spinal fusion is a long-standing surgical procedure for the treatment of various back conditions. If medical treatment fails to provide adequate relief from your back pain, complex spine neurosurgeon David Chang, MD-PhD, DABNS, can help. The skilled surgeon performs many procedures to treat back conditions, including spinal fusion. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Spinal Fusion Q&A
What is a spinal fusion?
A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses two or more of your vertebral bones to limit movement and reduce pain.
Dr. Chang specializes in complex spine neurosurgery and performs spinal fusion procedures using a minimally invasive approach. This surgical technique reduces scarring, post-surgical pain, and recovery time.
A spinal fusion restores strength and stability to your spine while reducing back pain.
Am I a candidate for a spinal fusion?
Schedule a consultation at David Chang, MD-PhD, DABNS to see if you’re a candidate for spinal fusion.
Though a standard surgical procedure for treating many back pain conditions, Dr. Chang only recommends spine surgery when conservative care fails to provide adequate relief from your back pain.
He performs spinal fusions to treat degenerative discs, spinal fractures, spinal stenosis, adult spine deformities, and herniated discs.
What happens during spinal fusion?
Dr. Chang customizes your spinal fusion treatment plan to meet your specific needs. He may perform a single-level (joining two adjacent vertebral bones) or multi-level (joining two or more vertebral bones at multiple levels) spinal fusion.
During a spinal fusion, Dr. Chang makes a small incision in your back at the site of your compromised disc and uses special tools to move the soft tissue out of the way so he can access your spine.
Dr. Chang removes the damaged disc and uses hardware or a bone graft to join the vertebral bones together. He closes the incisions and sends you to the recovery area of monitoring.
You may need to spend a few days in the hospital after your spinal fusion.
How long is recovery following spinal fusion?
Due to the nature of the surgery, you need to take it easy for a few weeks after your spinal fusion, including taking time off from work and other activities.
However, following Dr. Chang’s minimally invasive approach, you should be able to resume some of your usual activities within 3-4 weeks and most other activities within six weeks.
Dr. Chang has helped many people get relief from their back pain with a spinal fusion. To schedule a consultation with the skilled spine surgeon, call his office or book an appointment online today.