Contact number: 020 7806 4010
Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is Spinal Fusion surgery?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to join two or more vertebrae (the interlocking bones that make up the spine) together. This fusion of the vertebrae creates a single, solid bone structure, which prevents movement between the connected bones.
People who undergo a spinal fusion may have been experiencing severe pain in their spine as well as postural issues, such as a curve, numbness and/or muscle weakness. A spinal fusion can be undertaken to:
- Stabilise the spine: Too much motion between two or more vertebrae can make the spine unstable. This is a common effect of severe arthritis in the spine. A spinal fusion may also be undertaken when a damaged disc is removed from the spine, to reduce the risk of nerve compression.
- Reshape the spine: Spinal fusion can correct issues with the way the spine is formed, such as scoliosis – a condition characterised by a curvature of the spine.
A spinal fusion may be recommended if:
- Pain medicines are no longer working for your persistent pain
- You suffer from severe arthritis
- Other surgical procedures have failed
- Your spine is no longer in proper alignment
- You have a congenital spine condition (one you were born with)
- You have spinal stenosis (where a section of the spinal canal has narrowed and compressed nerves).
If you have surgery for spinal decompression or a slipped disc, your surgeon may also recommend having a fusion as part of your treatment.
How Much Does A Spinal Fusion Cost?
£16,480
The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge.
Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Fusion
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We’re close to Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6), making us accessible to patients across the region.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, main routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient travel for patients from across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
Before surgery, you’ll meet with a spinal consultant who will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and arrange imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. Pre-operative tests, including blood tests and MRSA screening, will be conducted. You’ll also receive antibacterial soap and lotion to reduce infection risk.
You’ll need to:
- Inform your doctor if you take blood thinners or NSAIDs, as you may need to stop them before surgery.
- Fast from midnight on the day of surgery, including avoiding water, gum, or sweets.
- Bring essential items such as medications, toiletries, comfortable clothing, and your phone.
You’ll have an IV line fitted for medications and fluids and undergo general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision to access your spine. The approach (anterior, posterior, or lateral) and techniques will depend on the issue’s location and nature. After fusing the vertebrae, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples, and you’ll be monitored in a recovery area.
You’ll be moved to a private room to start recovery. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists will guide you in early movement and exercises. Hospital stays typically range from one night to a few days, depending on your condition.
Physical therapy is key to recovery, and regular sessions will be scheduled. At home:
- Gradually increase activity levels and avoid staying in one position for too long.
- Follow your physiotherapist’s programme to improve strength and flexibility.
- Watch for signs of infection and follow your surgeon’s advice.
You may feel tired and sore for up to six weeks. Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, but full recovery may take months. You may have reduced spinal flexibility due to the fused vertebrae.
Dissolvable stitches under the skin will not need removal. Non-dissolvable stitches or staples will be removed 5–10 days after surgery. You’ll leave the hospital with a dressing over your incision and be given a follow-up appointment to remove it. After this, you can shower or bathe as normal.