Spinal Fusion Surgery in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is an operation that welds two or more vertebrae together so the segment between them becomes a single solid block. The metal screws and rods placed during surgery act as an internal splint: they hold the bones in the correct position while new bone grows across the gap. The real fusion is that bridge of living bone, which forms gradually over the following months, and the hardware simply protects it until it is strong.
To encourage that bridge, the surgeon packs bone graft between the vertebrae. The graft may be bone saved from the part of the spine removed during the operation, bone taken from the back of your hip, donor bone, or a bone substitute. Sometimes a small spacer called a cage is placed in the disc space to restore height and hold graft.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, spinal fusion is carried out by our neurosurgeon as part of the wider spine surgery service.
Who needs it
Fusion is designed for one clear problem: a segment of spine that moves more than it should, or has lost its shape or strength. The usual reasons are:
- Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward on the one below, often pinching nerves as well
- Fractures from a fall, road accident or weakened bone, where the spine has become unstable
- Deformity, such as a progressive sideways or forward curve in an adult spine
- Instability left behind after a previous operation, or created when a large spinal decompression removes supporting bone
The alternatives depend on the cause. For a slipped vertebra with leg pain, a strengthening programme, activity changes and pain relief come first, and some people settle with those alone. Where the main problem is a trapped nerve on a stable spine, decompression without fusion is often the better choice. A brace may be used for certain fractures.
The decision rests on matching three things: your symptoms, your examination and your imaging. X-rays taken while you bend forwards and backwards show whether a vertebra shifts with movement, MRI shows the nerves, and CT shows the bone in detail. Your surgeon explains what fusion is expected to achieve for your spine, and you decide together. Residents who have been advised to have fusion abroad are welcome to bring their scans for a second opinion before committing.
What happens
Fusion is performed under general anaesthetic, most often through an incision in the middle of the back. The surgeon moves the muscles aside, frees any trapped nerves, then places screws into the vertebrae on each side and connects them with rods. Bone graft is laid across the prepared bone surfaces, and a cage may be inserted into the disc space. X-ray images taken during the operation help confirm the position of the implants. The surgeon may use magnification, and specialised equipment such as neuronavigation or nerve monitoring is arranged where a case calls for it.
Fusion is a larger operation than disc removal, and you stay in hospital for some days. The team helps you out of bed early, teaching you to roll onto your side and push up with your arms so the back stays straight.
Preparing for it
Nicotine slows bone growth and is one of the strongest reasons a fusion fails to knit. This applies to cigarettes, shisha, medwakh, vaping and chewed tobacco alike. Stopping well before surgery and staying off nicotine until your surgeon confirms solid fusion gives the bone its best chance.
Your team may check bone strength and vitamin D levels, because both affect how well screws grip and how quickly bone forms. Tell the team about every medicine you take, since blood thinners, diabetes medicines and some painkillers each need a plan. The anaesthesia team completes a pre-operative assessment.
At home, move everyday items to waist height so you can reach them without bending, and arrange help with shopping and heavy chores. If your work involves driving, heavy lifting or long shifts at a desk, discuss your role at the consultation so the plan fits it. Avoid scheduling surgery during Ramadan fasting if you can, as hydration and regular meals support healing.
Afterwards
For the first weeks, follow the simple rule of no bending, lifting or twisting from the waist. Bend at the hips and knees, keep objects close to your body, and avoid carrying anything heavier than your surgeon advises. Walking is the best exercise, starting with short, frequent walks and building up daily. In the UAE heat, walk in the cooler hours or indoors, and drink plenty of water, which also helps with the constipation painkillers can cause.
Bone healing continues for months. A rehabilitation programme focused on core strength and safe movement is arranged by referral, and follow-up X-rays show how the fusion is progressing. Keep long-haul flights for after your surgeon clears you, and walk the aisle regularly when you do fly.
Contact the hospital if the wound becomes red, swollen or starts to leak, if you develop a fever, or if leg pain, numbness or weakness returns or worsens. Go to the emergency department immediately for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, calf pain or swelling, chest pain or sudden breathlessness.
Cost and insurance
Most UAE insurance plans cover spinal fusion when it is medically needed, with pre-approval based on your imaging, examination findings and the treatment already tried. Screws, rods and cages are often assessed separately, and rehabilitation sessions may be approved with their own limit. Some insurers request their own second opinion, so starting early keeps your date on track. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Can spinal fusion help back pain without instability?
Spinal fusion is rarely the right answer for back pain alone when the spine is stable and no nerve is compressed, because the evidence for that use is weaker than many patients expect. Exercise-based care usually helps more. Fusion is most reliable when a clearly identified slip, fracture or deformity explains your symptoms.
What are the risks of spinal fusion?
The risks of spinal fusion include infection, bleeding, blood clots, a reaction to the anaesthetic, nerve injury, a tear in the membrane around the nerves, and screws that loosen or move. The bone may fail to join, which is more likely in smokers, and some people keep a degree of back pain even when fusion is solid. Over years, the levels next to a fusion carry extra load and can wear faster. Your surgeon explains how these apply to you.
Why does smoking matter so much for spinal fusion?
Smoking matters for spinal fusion because nicotine narrows small blood vessels and slows the bone-forming cells that bridge the vertebrae. Smokers have a higher chance of the bone failing to join, which can mean further surgery. Every form of nicotine counts, including shisha and vaping.
Will I lose flexibility after spinal fusion?
Most people notice little loss of flexibility after a fusion of one or two levels in the lower back, because the hips and the remaining spine share the movement. Longer fusions reduce bending more noticeably, and your surgeon explains what to expect for your planned levels.
How long does it take for the bone to fuse?
Bone fusion after spinal fusion takes months, and the timeline varies with your age, bone strength, the number of levels and whether you use nicotine. Follow-up X-rays or CT show when the bridge of bone has formed, and your surgeon guides your return to heavier activity based on those images.
Will the screws and rods need to be removed later?
The screws and rods after spinal fusion usually stay in place permanently and cause no problems. They are removed only occasionally, for example if they cause irritation or loosen.
When can I return to work after spinal fusion?
Return to work after spinal fusion depends on your job: desk-based work usually comes first, and roles involving heavy lifting or long driving take longer. Your surgeon gives you a timeline for your case and can provide a note for your employer.
Is spinal fusion covered by insurance in the UAE?
Most UAE insurance plans cover spinal fusion when it is medically needed, but it almost always requires pre-approval, and implants may be assessed separately. Confirm your cover with Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777 before setting a date.
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