Advanced fusion techniques — ALIF, PLIF, TLIF, XLIF — using minimally invasive approaches and robotic-assisted navigation for faster recovery and better outcomes.
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them. By fusing unstable or damaged segments, the procedure relieves pain caused by abnormal movement and restores spinal stability.
At Restore Orthopedics & Spine, we perform all major fusion approaches — ALIF (anterior), PLIF (posterior), TLIF (transforaminal), and XLIF (lateral) — selecting the technique best suited to your specific condition, anatomy, and goals. Many of our fusions are performed using minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and faster recovery.
Fusion is typically recommended when conservative treatments have failed and the source of pain is clearly identified through advanced imaging. Common indications include degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, recurrent disc herniation, and spinal instability.
ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) — Accessed through the front of the body. Ideal for lower lumbar disc disease with excellent disc space restoration.
PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) — Accessed through the back. Allows direct decompression of nerves while achieving fusion.
TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) — A refined posterior approach with less nerve retraction. Our most commonly performed minimally invasive fusion.
XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) — Accessed through the side. Minimizes back muscle disruption and enables faster recovery for select patients.
Cervical Fusion (ACDF) — Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for neck conditions including herniated discs and cervical stenosis.
Today's fusion techniques have evolved dramatically. With advanced instrumentation, biologics, and minimally invasive approaches, outcomes are better and recovery is faster than ever before.
By eliminating painful motion at the damaged segment, fusion provides durable, long-term relief for patients who haven't responded to conservative care.
Fusion restores structural integrity to an unstable spine, preventing further degeneration, slippage, or deformity progression.
Many fusions are now performed through small incisions using tubular retractors — less blood loss, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.
We use intraoperative navigation and robotics-assisted screw placement for millimeter-level accuracy, reducing complications and improving outcomes.
Spinal fusion is considered when the source of pain is clearly linked to spinal instability or structural damage, and conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief. You may be a candidate if you have:
Degenerative disc disease causing chronic back or neck pain unresponsive to therapy, injections, or medication
Spondylolisthesis — a vertebra that has slipped forward over the one below it, causing instability and nerve compression
Spinal stenosis requiring decompression where instability would result without fusion
Recurrent disc herniation at the same level after previous discectomy
Spinal fracture or trauma causing instability that cannot be managed with bracing alone
Failed prior spine surgery requiring revision with stabilization
Recovery from spinal fusion varies by approach and number of levels fused, but modern minimally invasive techniques have significantly shortened the timeline.
Hospital stay: Most patients go home within 1-3 days. Some minimally invasive single-level fusions are performed as outpatient procedures.
First 6 weeks: Gradual return to light daily activities. Walking is encouraged immediately. Bending, lifting, and twisting are restricted.
3-6 months: Progressive return to normal activities as the fusion solidifies. Physical therapy begins to restore strength and flexibility.
Full fusion: The bone graft typically achieves solid fusion within 6-12 months, confirmed by follow-up imaging.
Single-level fusions typically result in minimal noticeable loss of motion. The adjacent segments compensate, and most patients report that pain relief far outweighs any reduction in flexibility. Multi-level fusions may have more impact, which your surgeon will discuss during consultation.
A single-level minimally invasive fusion typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Multi-level or complex revision cases may take longer. Your surgeon will provide a specific estimate based on your procedure plan.
These refer to the surgical approach — anterior (front), posterior (back), transforaminal (angled from back), and lateral (side). Each has advantages depending on the level being fused, your anatomy, and whether nerve decompression is needed. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your case.
Yes, spinal fusion is covered by most major insurance plans including Medicare when medically necessary. Our team handles pre-authorization and works with your insurance to confirm coverage before scheduling.
Desk workers can often return within 4-6 weeks. Jobs requiring physical labor typically require 3-6 months. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and occupation.
Often performed alongside fusion to relieve nerve compression from stenosis or disc herniation.
Many fusions can be performed through incisions under 1 inch — less muscle damage and faster recovery.
Before committing to fusion, get an independent review from our fellowship-trained surgeons.
Same-day referral processing. Most insurances accepted.
Restore Orthopedics & Spine welcomes patients from throughout Orange County — including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Yorba Linda, Brea, Placentia, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Beach — as well as neighboring Los Angeles County communities including La Habra, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, Long Beach, Lakewood, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Buena Park.
Same-week consultations available. Most insurances and Medicare accepted.