Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery

Back injuries are some of the most common injuries in the United States. That spans both workplace injuries and injuries that happen at home.

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 3% of all physician visits in the country are related to back pain. Around 30 million people receive medical care for spine-related problems each year, and back pain is the second most common reason for hospitalization.

What you need to know and what to do if something goes wrong

Back injuries have a way of reshaping your life. One moment, you’re lifting a box, getting out of your car, or maybe just walking across the yard, and then suddenly, you’re in pain. Not just the kind you can walk off, but the kind that lingers, spreads, and refuses to let you live the way you used to.

If the pain doesn’t go away, and nothing else seems to work, you might find yourself sitting across from a surgeon who mentions two words that change everything: spinal fusion.

What is spinal fusion surgery?

Spinal fusion is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are permanently joined together, eliminating the movement between them. Think of it like welding; once fused, those bones act as one solid piece. The goal is to reduce pain caused by movement in a damaged or unstable part of your spine.

Doctors may use metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the vertebrae in place while new bone grows between them. It’s not a quick fix, but when it works, it can bring real relief.

Spinal fusion surgery is considered largely successful, too. According to the NIH:

• Over 300,000 spinal fusion surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year.
• Elective lumbar fusion is on the rise.
• Spinal fusion has the highest aggregate hospital costs of any surgical procedure in the US ($14.1 billion in 2018 alone).

When is spinal fusion necessary?

You don’t jump into spinal fusion lightly. It’s usually considered only after other treatments (such as physical therapy, medications, and injections) have failed. You might be a candidate if you’re dealing with any of the following:

• A fractured vertebra
• Degenerative disc disease
• Chronic herniated discs
• Spinal instability (like spondylolisthesis)
• Severe scoliosis
• Spinal stenosis causing nerve pain
• In some cases, infections or tumors affecting the spine

The procedure goes beyond pain relief. Fusion is often about restoring stability and preventing future damage. But it comes with trade-offs.

What’s the recovery like?

Recovery from spinal fusion is a slow, deliberate process. You’ll likely spend a few days in the hospital, followed by weeks or even months of physical therapy. The fused section of your spine will lose some mobility, and that stiffness can take time to adjust to.

You may be out of work for several months, depending on your job and how physically demanding it is. And even after you’ve healed, you might notice lasting limitations in flexibility or movement.

What can go wrong?

Like any surgery, spinal fusion comes with risks. Most procedures go as planned, but complications can and do happen. Some of the more serious ones include:

• Nerve damage, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness
• Failed fusion (nonunion), where the bones don’t heal properly
• Infection at the surgical site
• Hardware failure or misplacement
• Chronic pain that doesn’t improve or even worsens
• Blood clots or anesthesia complications

If you’re living with new or worsening symptoms after your surgery, you’ve got every right to start asking questions.

What happens if something goes wrong during spinal fusion?

Sometimes, a bad outcome is just that: bad luck. But other times, it’s more than that. If a surgeon makes an error during the procedure, misses a diagnosis, or fails to explain your options or risks, that might cross the line into medical negligence.

That’s where a back injury lawyer can help. You’ll need to show that the doctor didn’t meet the accepted standard of care — basically, what any reasonable surgeon would have done in the same situation. This could mean:

• Operating on the wrong vertebra
• Failing to identify nerve damage during surgery
• Not disclosing known risks or alternatives
• Using faulty hardware or improper technique
• Leaving tools or hardware behind in the body

A skilled lawyer can bring in medical experts, dig into your records, and figure out whether you have a case and whether it’s worth pursuing or not.

How does a legal claim work?

If your spinal fusion went wrong because of negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of mobility or quality of life
• Ongoing rehabilitation and care

However, these cases are tough. Hospitals and insurers have lawyers on their side, and they don’t hand over settlements easily. That’s why you need someone who understands the medical and legal complexity of back injury claims.

So, when should you call a lawyer?

If you’re still in pain months after your surgery or if something just doesn’t feel right, it’s worth talking to a back injury lawyer. You don’t have to be sure you have a case. You just need to start the conversation.

A good lawyer won’t promise a win. But they will listen, investigate, and give you a clear picture of what’s possible.

Because at the end of the day, spinal fusion isn’t just about your spine. It’s about your quality of life. Your work. Your sleep. Your ability to pick up your kids or stand in line at the grocery store. If something went wrong, and you’re paying the price, you deserve to know why.

Think something went wrong with your spinal fusion surgery? Talk to a back injury lawyer who knows how to uncover the truth and fight for the care and compensation you deserve. At Larson Law, we’ve helped clients across North Dakota stand up to medical providers and insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation.