Stability when it matters.
A clear reason before fusion.
Understand why fusion may be considered, what alternatives exist and what recovery could involve for your specific spine condition.
Request a Fusion Evaluation (Form)Telehealth or in person. Your request does not confirm an appointment.
A careful review before a surgical decision.
Fusion joins vertebrae to stabilize a treated level. Review the structural problem, symptoms, imaging and prior care before deciding whether its expected benefits justify its risks.
Bring your imaging
Bring available spine imaging, treatment records and prior operative reports.
Discuss the alternatives
Review previous care, nonsurgical options, expected benefits, limitations and risks.
Choose the appropriate next step
Surgery is discussed when symptoms, examination and imaging support it. No outcome is guaranteed.
Experience & careful judgment
Meet Dr. Cornacchia.
Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS
A board-certified neurosurgeon with 30 years of spinal cord stimulation experience.
More about Dr. Cornacchia’s experience and SCS device decisions
Spinal cord stimulation experience
Experienced neurosurgical judgment before device decisions.
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device decision, but it is also a diagnosis decision. Apteum’s evaluation is designed to clarify whether SCS is reasonable, whether another spine problem needs attention, and what goals should define success for you.
He works with a community of experienced pain-management doctors and with Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and other manufacturers.
Manufacturer relationships do not imply endorsement of a specific device for every patient. Brand and system selection should be based on clinical need, anatomy, MRI considerations, programming goals, prior device history, and shared decision-making.
Additional systems as clinically appropriateYour evaluation focuses on your diagnosis, prior care and goals. Discuss the expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives before choosing your next step. An evaluation is not a commitment to surgery or an implant.
Read Dr. Cornacchia’s training and experience →How spinal cord stimulation works
Watch this explanation created by Dr. Cornacchia. Spinal cord stimulation is one option for selected patients after evaluation; it is not appropriate for every cause of pain and does not replace the discussion of the treatment on this page.
Spinal Fusion
Evaluate stabilization options for painful or unstable spinal segments.
Overview
Spinal fusion surgery joins two or more vertebrae together to eliminate painful motion and provide stability. Our surgeons utilize multiple fusion techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted approaches, to achieve optimal outcomes with minimal disruption.
What We Offer
Key Benefits
All Services
Need Help?
Contact us to discuss your condition and explore the best treatment options.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae to eliminate painful motion and stabilize the spine. It is a well-established treatment for instability, deformity, and certain degenerative conditions — but it is not right for every patient. At Apteum Spine, fusion is recommended only when there is a clear structural reason for it, and performed with minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques where appropriate.
When Fusion Is Considered
• Spondylolisthesis (slippage) or spinal instability
• Severe degenerative disc disease with instability
• Deformity such as scoliosis
• Recurrent disc herniation or after extensive decompression
• Some fractures and revision cases
How It Works
Fusion stabilizes the spine by joining two or more vertebrae with bone grafts and, when appropriate, screws and rods. As the bone heals, the vertebrae fuse into a single, stable unit.
Recovery
Fusion recovery is gradual as the bone heals over months. We provide a clear rehabilitation plan and realistic timelines for your specific procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will fusion limit my movement?
Fusing one or two levels usually has little effect on overall flexibility; your surgeon will explain what to expect.
Is there an alternative to fusion?
In select cases, disc replacement or decompression alone may be options. We recommend fusion only when it is the most appropriate choice.
Medically reviewed by Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS — board-certified neurosurgeon. Last updated: June 2026. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. For urgent symptoms, call (609) 831-0998 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Understand whether fusion fits your care.
Request an evaluation to review your symptoms, imaging, goals and prior treatment history.
The team will contact you to discuss your request. No outcome is guaranteed.