Spinal Fusion Cost in India

About Spinal Fusion 

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that is used to join two or more vertebrae in the spine. This surgical procedure helps to treat a wide range of spinal complications such as spinal instability, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and scoliosis. The joining of the vertebrae known as the fusion of vertebrae can help in alleviating pain, restoring functions, and improving overall spinal functions. The vertebrae join with the help of bone grafts which are placed between the vertebrae. 

Types of Spinal Fusion and Their Cost

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

• Location: the lower back area (lumbar spine)
• Procedure: The intervertebral disc is surgically removed and a bone graft or a cage that leads in the intervertebral fusion is implanted
• Cost: It costs around INR 2,70,000. 

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

• Location: The lower back area ( lumbar spine)
• Approach: The access is through the back of the body in posterior direction.
• Procedure: The surgeon removes the diseased disc and packs the space with bone of grafting material supported with devices to aid fulmination.
• Cost: It costs nearly INR 3,00,000

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

• Location: The lumbar region.
• Procedure: The disc is excised from the lateral aspect of the spine to improve access while limiting the amount of soft tissue damage sustained.
• Cost: It costs around INR 3,20,000

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)

• Location: This approach is used to effect lateral-fusion in the lumbar region of the body too.
• Procedure: This procedure enables a surgeon to take out the intervertebral disc through a lateral incision of the abdomen and place grafts or cages for the fusion process of the vertebrate.
• Cost: It costs around INR 2,40,000. 

Cervical Fusion

• Location: The neck region (cervical spine)
• Approach: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the technique through which this procedure can be performed from the front. The posterior technique is also possible whereby the surgeon operates from behind.
• Procedure: This is a procedure which is used to treat conditions regarding cervical spine like spinal or disk herniation.
• Cost: It costs around INR 3,00,000

What Factors Affect the Final Cost of Spinal Fusion in India?

The cost of spinal fusion fluctuates because of numerous factors that include. 

• Type Of Spinal Fusion Procedure: The variability of surgical complexity and the equipment used can vary among spinal fusion techniques such as ALIF, PLIF and TLIF, and the cost is affected.
• Hospital or Clinic Facilities: The hospital in which patients decide to go for a surgery, activists or malpractices -so costs. Premium hospitals with enhanced facilities, modern techniques, and better will logically charge more.
• Location of the Hospital: Moreover, hospitals in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore charge higher amounts due to high standard of living while lower cities may charge lower rates for the surgeries.
• Surgeon's Expertise and Experience: Unique and some of the argumentative costs are based on the experience, reputation or the expertise of the surgeon. For example, extremely experienced and specialised surgeons tend to demand and charge higher fees.
• Type and Quality of Implants: The economics of the surgical treatment is also influenced by the individual characteristics of spinal implant materials (rods, screws, plates, or cages) used in the procedure. Thus, titanium implants and advanced materials can cost more than regular options.
• Diagnostic Tests and Pre-Surgery Evaluations:  The inclusive cost for the procedure may include the expenses incurred for before the surgical operation examinations such as MRIs, CTs, and blood tests.

What Includes in Pre-Evaluation Before the Procedure?

In pre evaluation the doctor suggests some of the diagnostic tests which helps in examination of the body. These diagnostic tests include. 

Preparation Tips for the Spinal Fusion

Before the procedure some of the lifestyle changes should be incorporated in the body. These changes include. 

• Stop smoking to better heal the bones and decrease the chance of complications.
• Get adequate nutrition and protein, especially calcium and vitamins D to make recovery quicker.
• Practice low impact physical activities regularly to build back supportive muscles.
• Keep a healthy weight to minimize the pressure on the spine.
• Steer clear of alcohol especially before surgery because it affects the medications.
• Talk about medications with the doctor to either cease or change if required.

These tips should be followed to make the body ready for the procedure.