Spinal Fusion Surgery in South Africa

The beginning of the last decade had witnessed more than 500,000 spinal fusions carried out in major healthcare facilities worldwide. Over the years, the number has kept on increasing. This is because, with every passing day and changing lifestyle, more and more number of spinal abnormalities are being reported. The procedure is implemented when any affected region in the spine fails to heal or recover naturally. In such cases, fusion surgeries are performed to help the spine heal artificially. In general, spinal fusion surgery cost may vary from $15,000 to $27,000 and may even exceed depending on a number of other factors. 

What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion surgery is performed to reduce friction or unruly motion of the affected or injured spine, which causes immense pain and suffering. Friction in such region mostly result from movement of a damaged, fractured or injured bone which causes excess pressure buildup on the nerves resulting into severe pain. In other cases, fusion surgeries are also performed in individuals suffering from spinal arthritis where the bone requires ceasing of any painful spinal motion. 

There are several types of spinal fusion surgeries, which are:

• Anterior or lateral or transforaminal interbody fusion of lumbar region
• Anterior discectomy or fusion of the cervical region
• Scoliosis fusion

Ideal Candidates for Spinal Fusion Surgery 

Spinal fusion is mostly performed in case the individual suffers from persistent spinal conditions. Thus, ideal candidates for the procedure is decided, if the individual:

• Suffers from spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis, spinal fractures, recurring and persistent spinal disc hernia, scoliosis, etc .
• Is unresponsive to conservative treatments and physiotherapy
• Is unable to perform daily activities 
• Suffers from other conditions due to the same reason. 

Factors affecting the cost of Spinal Fusion Surgery

The spinal fusion surgery cost may be affected due to a number of factors, which are:

• The type of condition an individual suffers from
• The age, weight or the BMI of the individual
• Any underlying disease or condition like diabetes, etc.
• The extent of spinal fusion required
• Type of surgical procedures required (if any) along with it.