Spinal Fusion Surgery in Lahore

Screw-and-rod fixation to stabilise an unstable, slipped, or deformed segment of the spine — restoring stability and relieving nerve compression.

What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae together, eliminating abnormal motion between them. Screws and rods (spinal instrumentation) hold the segment rigid while bone graft is placed to encourage the vertebrae to fuse into a single, solid piece of bone over several months.

Dr. Waqas Mehdi performs spinal fusion for conditions where the spine has become unstable, slipped out of alignment (spondylolisthesis), or requires decompression of a nerve alongside stabilisation of the treated segment — most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine.

Fusion is generally reserved for cases with genuine instability or deformity — for straightforward disc herniation without instability, decompression alone (such as microdiscectomy or endoscopic surgery) is usually sufficient and preferred, since it avoids the additional recovery time of fusion.

When is Spinal Fusion Needed?

!Spondylolisthesis (vertebra slipped forward) causing pain or nerve compression

!Spinal instability from degenerative disc disease

!Spinal deformity — scoliosis or kyphosis requiring correction

!Recurrent disc herniation at a level with underlying instability

!Spine fracture with instability, from trauma

!Spinal tumor requiring removal of stabilising bone structures

!Failed previous spine surgery with ongoing instability

!Severe spinal stenosis requiring wide decompression that would destabilise the segment

Conditions Treated with Fusion

Lumbar spondylolisthesis (Grade I–IV)

Degenerative disc disease with instability

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy requiring multi-level decompression

Spinal fractures and trauma

Adult and adolescent scoliosis

Post-laminectomy instability

Spinal infections requiring debridement and stabilisation

Spinal tumors involving the vertebral column

Types of Spinal Fusion Performed

TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

A common lumbar fusion technique — the disc is removed and a cage placed between the vertebral bodies through a posterior approach, combined with screws and rods for stability. Effective for spondylolisthesis and disc-level instability.

PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

Similar to TLIF but approaching the disc space from directly behind, sometimes used for specific anatomical situations requiring bilateral disc access.

Posterolateral Fusion with Pedicle Screws

Bone graft is placed along the back of the spine (rather than in the disc space), stabilised with pedicle screws and rods — often used alongside decompression for stenosis with instability.

ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)

The standard fusion technique for cervical disc disease — approached from the front of the neck, removing the disc and placing a cage, followed by a plate and screws for added stability.

Minimally Invasive Fusion (MIS-TLIF)

Uses smaller incisions and tubular retractors to place screws and cages with less muscle disruption than traditional open fusion, where the patient's anatomy and pathology are suitable.

Recovery & Aftercare

Hospital stay is typically 3–5 days for lumbar fusion and 2–3 days for cervical (ACDF) fusion, depending on the number of levels involved.

A brace or collar may be recommended for several weeks to support the spine while early fusion occurs.

Light activity and walking are encouraged from the first day after surgery; heavier lifting and bending are restricted for around 6–12 weeks.

Bone fusion itself takes several months to mature fully, though most patients feel substantially better well before the fusion is radiologically complete.

Return to desk-based work is typically possible within 4–6 weeks; physically demanding work takes longer and is guided by follow-up assessment.

Why Choose Dr. Waqas Mehdi?

FCPS Neurosurgeon experienced in both lumbar and cervical spinal fusion
Recommends fusion only when there is genuine instability — not as a default for every disc problem
Personally reviews your MRI/X-rays (including flexion-extension views) to confirm instability before advising fusion
Uses minimally invasive fusion techniques where clinically appropriate to reduce muscle damage and recovery time
Transparent discussion of implant options and realistic cost expectations at consultation
Private consultation at MidCity Hospital, Lahore — evenings Mon to Sat

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need spinal fusion instead of just disc surgery?

Fusion is recommended when there is evidence of instability — such as a slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis), abnormal movement seen on flexion-extension X-rays, or a spine that would become unstable if decompression alone were performed. Dr. Waqas will explain exactly why fusion is or isn't needed for your specific MRI/X-ray findings.

Is spinal fusion surgery safe?

Spinal fusion is a well-established procedure performed worldwide with a good safety profile in appropriately selected patients. As with any spine surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve injury, which are minimised with careful surgical technique and patient selection.

Will spinal fusion limit my movement permanently?

A single-level fusion typically causes minimal noticeable restriction in daily activities, since neighbouring segments compensate for the fused level. Multi-level fusions result in more restriction, which Dr. Waqas will discuss with you before surgery.

How long does it take for the spine to fully fuse?

Bone fusion typically matures over 6–12 months, though most of the pain relief from surgery is felt much earlier — often within weeks — since the nerve decompression and stabilisation take effect immediately.

What is the cost of spinal fusion surgery in Lahore?

Cost depends on the number of levels fused, the type of implant used, and hospital stay duration. Call 0300-8482624 or book a consultation for a specific estimate based on your MRI and X-rays.

Book an Appointment

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi at MidCity Hospital, Lahore

0300-8482624 042-35407131-6 Ext #282

MidCity Hospital, 3-A Main Jail Road, Opp. Kinnard College, Lahore

Related Services

Spine Surgery Spondylolisthesis Spinal Stenosis Cervical Spine Surgery

Dr. Waqas Mehdi

MBBS, FCPS (Neurosurgery)

Asst. Professor · KEMU · Mayo Hospital

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Spinal Fusion Surgery in Lahore Pakistan – Dr. Waqas Mehdi

Spinal Fusion Surgery – Available for Patients Across Pakistan

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, one of the best neurosurgeons in Lahore and Pakistan, provides expert spinal fusion surgery at MidCity Hospital and Mayo Hospital Lahore. Patients regularly travel from across Pakistan to consult him — including from:

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Dr. Waqas Mehdi (MBBS, FCPS Neurosurgery) is Asst. Professor at King Edward Medical University (KEMU) and Consultant Neurosurgeon at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. His private OPD at MidCity Hospital, 3-A Main Jail Road, Lahore is open for consultations. Call 0300-8482624 or 042-35407131-6 Ext #282 to book an appointment.

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi Today

Pakistan's trusted neurosurgeon for brain tumor surgery, spine surgery, and all complex neurological conditions. Book your appointment at MidCity Hospital, Lahore.

Call: 0300-8482624 Book Appointment Online