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Relieve Back Pain with Spinal Fusion in Williamsport, PA

Spinal fusion, also called arthrodesis, is a procedure that joins two vertebrae in the neck or back, in order to permanently stop movement between them. A spinal fusion may be recommended to relieve pain and improve function in the back or neck.

At UPMC, experienced spine surgeons provide exceptional care to treat a wide array of spine and neck problems with spinal fusion in Williamsport, PA and the surrounding areas.

Why Is Spinal Fusion Performed?

Your doctor may recommend spinal fusion if treatments such as medications, braces and physical therapy have been unsuccessful at treating your back problem.

A spinal fusion may be recommended if you are experiencing persistent back pain or disability from:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis or narrowing
  • Spondyloslisthesis
  • Scoliosis or kyphosis
  • Vertebral fractures
  • Spinal infections

Speak with a spine doctor at UPMC to learn more about these conditions and treatments. UPMC offers spinal fusion in Williamsport, Muncy and Wellsboro, PA, as part of our orthopedic services.

What to Expect with Spinal Fusion at UPMC

Spine surgeons at UPMC perform spinal fusion procedures in a hospital setting. Depending on your overall health, age and specific condition, you may be eligible for minimally invasive surgery (just a few small incisions). If you have an open procedure, there will be one large incision. You’ll be given general anesthesia and will be asleep, so you won’t feel any pain. Once the incision(s) have been made, your surgeon will use a bone graft to join the two vertebrae together. Your body will grow new bone around this graft.

Once the procedure is complete, you may spend three to four days in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. When you are able to go home, you’ll wear a neck or back brace for several weeks after surgery. Physical therapy will help you learn how to move in a way that protects your spine. Full recovery from a spinal fusion may take up to a year.

UPMC Orthopedics provides specialized care to treat spine and neck conditions with spinal fusion in Williamsport, PA.