Cervical Spine Fusion 

Cervical spine fusion stabilizes the bones in your neck (cervical vertebrae) by surgically joining two or more vertebrae together, so they heal into a single solid bone. The procedure eliminates painful motion at the affected level or levels and relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This can reduce neck and arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness caused by conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, cervical stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or deformity. 

At Surgical Solutions Network, our fellowship-trained spine surgeons perform cervical fusion using advanced techniques to help you regain comfort and function. We offer timely access to private cervical spine surgery at our surgical centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Why Choose Surgical Solutions Network for Private Spine Surgery?

Patients across Canada choose Surgical Solutions Network for prompt access, experienced surgeons, and compassionate, patient-centred care. From consultation through recovery, our team focuses on clear diagnoses, evidence-based treatments, and comprehensive follow-up. 

Our expert healthcare staff and surgeons will help you get the surgery you need so you can get back to living a healthy, active life.

Who We Help

We accept private-pay patients from across Canada. Our intake team will confirm your eligibility and assist with logistics, required imaging, and pre-operative assessments. Cervical spine fusion is performed at False Creek Healthcare Centre in Vancouver, BC, and patients need to travel outside their home province for the procedure.

Conditions Commonly Treated 

• Degenerative disc disease and disc collapse 
• Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve causing arm pain/numbness) 
• Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression affecting balance/hand function) 
• Recurrent disc herniation after prior surgery 
• Cervical spondylolisthesis or instability 
• Painful deformity/kyphosis requiring stabilization

How Cervical Fusion Is Performed

Cervical fusion is performed under general anaesthetic. The surgical approach depends on your anatomy and diagnosis: 

• ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion): The surgeon makes a small incision at the front of the neck and removes disc and bone spurs to decompress nerves/spinal cord. A spacer/cage and bone graft are placed, often secured with a small plate and screws. 
• Posterior Cervical Fusion: Through the back of the neck, decompression and stabilisation are performed with screws and rods when indicated. 
• Hybrid/Multilevel Techniques: In select cases, a surgeon may recommend combining approaches.
• Implants & Graft Options: Your surgeon may use a cage/spacer, plate, and screws with bone graft (autograft, allograft, or synthetic) to promote fusion. 

Benefits of Cervical Fusion

• Stabilises painful motion segments 
• Relieves nerve and/or spinal cord compression 
• Can improve neck and arm pain, strength, and function 
• Durable solution when non-surgical care hasn’t helped 
• Minimally invasive options may be available for suitable patients 

Risks & Considerations (Transparent and Practical)

All surgeries have risks. For cervical fusion these may include:

• Bleeding, infection, blood clots, & anaesthetic risks
• Temporary swallowing difficulty or hoarseness (more common with anterior approaches)
• Nerve injury
• C5 nerve root palsy (dysfunction)
• Non-union (bones not fully fusing)
• Hardware problems
• Adjacent segment degeneration over time
• Potential need for revision surgery

Your surgeon will discuss personalised risks and steps we take to reduce them. 

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay. Expect some neck soreness and temporary activity limits while the fusion heals. 

Recovery Timeline

• Early phase (first 2 to 6 weeks): Light mobility, walking, incision care; collar if prescribed
• 6-12 weeks: Gradual increase in activity, begin physiotherapy as directed
• 3-6+ months: Ongoing strengthening and return to routine activities as fusion consolidates

Timelines vary based on your health, job demands, and the number of levels fused. 

What to Expect at Surgical Solutions Network

1. Consultation & Imaging Review: We confirm the diagnosis, discuss options, and develop a personalised plan. 
2. Pre-Op Optimisation: Guidance on medications, smoking cessation, bone health, and recovery planning. 
3. Surgery Day: Performed at our accredited Toronto Surgical Centre with a specialised spine team. 
4. Follow-Up: Regular checks to monitor healing and guide your return to activity. 

Take the Next Step

If neck or arm symptoms are limiting your quality of life despite non-surgical care, we can help. Contact Surgical Solutions Network to request a consultation with our expert spine surgeon and learn whether cervical spine fusion is right for you.