Spinal Fusion Surgery at Gangnam Nanoori International SPINE & JOINT Center

What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal Fusion Surgery is a procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae to eliminate abnormal motion between them. It's commonly used to treat spine instability, degenerative disc disease, fractures, deformities, and chronic pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.

Benefits of Spinal Fusion Surgery

• Enhanced Stability: Permanently fuses unstable segments to prevent movement that causes pain.
• Pain Reduction: Eliminates motion between vertebrae, which can significantly decrease chronic back or neck pain.
• Improved Functionality: Helps restore alignment and support better posture and mobility.
• Versatile Technique: Can be performed in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine depending on the condition.
• Long-Term Results: Once healed, the fusion provides durable, lasting support.

Cost of Spinal Fusion Surgery in South Korea

South Korea is renowned for providing high-level spine surgeries with competitive pricing.

Estimated treatment costs include:

• Lumbar Spinal Fusion (TLIF/PLIF): $15,000–$25,000 USD
• Anterior Cervical Fusion (ACDF): $12,000–$20,000 USD
• Minimally Invasive Fusion Procedures: $14,000–$22,000 USD

Fusion surgeries in Korea include advanced instrumentation and imaging guidance to maximize surgical success and safety.

Considerations Before Undergoing Spinal Fusion

• Recovery Duration: Fusion requires more recovery time than decompression-only surgeries.
• Hardware Use: Metal implants such as rods and screws may be used to support healing.
• Bone Quality: Osteoporosis can impact fusion success; evaluation is often required.
• Activity Restrictions: Patients may need to avoid bending or heavy lifting for several weeks.

Common Spinal Fusion Procedures Offered

1. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Involves removing the intervertebral disc and inserting a cage filled with bone graft between the vertebrae through a posterior approach. This provides strong stabilization while preserving spinal alignment.

2. Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

Similar to TLIF but utilizes a midline approach with bilateral access to the disc space. Often used for patients with central spinal canal narrowing, allowing decompression and stabilization simultaneously.

3. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

Accesses the spine from the front of the neck to remove herniated discs and insert a bone graft or cage. Frequently used for treating cervical radiculopathy or spinal cord compression.

4. Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)

A minimally invasive approach entering through the side of the body, preserving muscles and reducing blood loss. Often chosen for adult degenerative scoliosis and multi-level disc degeneration.

5. Minimally Invasive Fusion Techniques

Utilizes tubular retractors, microscopes, and fluoroscopic guidance to minimize tissue damage. Especially useful for patients with high surgical risk or comorbidities.

Expert Medical Team

Our spinal fusion specialists include both orthopedic and neurosurgeons with extensive training in interbody techniques and image-guided navigation. They are experienced in performing both open and minimally invasive fusions and emphasize careful patient selection to ensure optimal outcomes.

International Patient Support

The center offers a dedicated International Patient Service to help overseas patients with:

• Multilingual staff (English, Russian, Mongolian, and more)
• Assistance with medical visas and travel arrangements
• Personalized care coordination from consultation through post-treatment recovery
• Online medical consultations for pre-evaluation

Location & Contact

• Address: 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Phone (Intl): +82-10-6290-9796
• Email: ihc_info@mfnanoori.co.kr
• Website: ihc.nanoori.co.kr