{"id":1573,"date":"2025-04-17T12:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T10:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/fusion-toracolumbar\/"},"modified":"2025-04-21T11:16:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T09:16:31","slug":"thoracolumbar-fusion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/treatments\/thoracolumbar-fusion\/","title":{"rendered":"Thoracolumbar fusion"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1573\" class=\"elementor elementor-1573 elementor-1307\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-232de56 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"232de56\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d77e2fd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d77e2fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Thoracolumbar Fusion: Definition, Indications, and Procedure Overview<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b39ac2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4b39ac2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac5c5ad e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ac5c5ad\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-125a027 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"125a027\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Thoracolumbar fusion is a highly specialized surgical procedure used to treat a range of conditions affecting the thoracic and lumbar spine. When appropriately indicated and expertly performed, this surgery can stabilize the spine, alleviate pain, and significantly improve a patient&#8217;s quality of life. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of what the procedure entails, when it is recommended, and how it is performed, based on rigorous medical insight and extensive clinical experience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8469aec e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8469aec\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-658a1ab elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"658a1ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"205\" height=\"541\" src=\"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rx_columna_total_post_artrodesis_multinivel_largo_plazo.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-955\" alt=\"Radiograf\u00eda de columna completa tras artrodesis multinivel en evaluaci\u00f3n a largo plazo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rx_columna_total_post_artrodesis_multinivel_largo_plazo.webp 205w, https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rx_columna_total_post_artrodesis_multinivel_largo_plazo-114x300.webp 114w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1efc252 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1efc252\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"330\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rx_lateral_artrodesis_toracolumbar_multinivel.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-975\" alt=\"Radiograf\u00eda lateral de artrodesis toracolumbar con m\u00faltiples tornillos e implantes\" srcset=\"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rx_lateral_artrodesis_toracolumbar_multinivel.webp 330w, https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rx_lateral_artrodesis_toracolumbar_multinivel-202x300.webp 202w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5c65d0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e5c65d0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b66f11c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b66f11c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is Thoracolumbar Fusion?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f80510 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6f80510\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Thoracolumbar fusion involves permanently joining two or more vertebrae in the thoracic and lumbar spine to prevent relative motion between them. This is achieved using bone grafts and fixation devices such as pedicle screws, rods, or cages. The primary goal is to restore spinal stability in cases of advanced degeneration, fractures, deformities, or congenital and traumatic conditions.<\/p><p>Dr. Vicen\u00e7 Gilete performs a wide range of spinal surgeries, including complex procedures for cervical myelopathy, spinal deformities, and cranio-cervical fusions, as well as artificial disc replacements. His versatility and experience are crucial when addressing high-complexity thoracolumbar cases.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2e54b6 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d2e54b6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a554fab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a554fab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Common Indications<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df2a015 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"df2a015\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Thoracolumbar fusion is most commonly indicated in the following cases:<\/p><ul><li>Severe vertebral fractures at the thoracolumbar junction (e.g., T12-L1)<\/li><li>Progressive scoliosis or kyphosis<\/li><li>Spondylolisthesis or spinal instability<\/li><li>Multi-level degenerative disc disease<\/li><li>Failed back surgery syndrome<\/li><li>Spinal tumors or infections compromising vertebral integrity<br \/><br \/><\/li><\/ul><p>Dr. Augusto Covaro combines advanced knowledge with a personalized approach to provide effective solutions that substantially improve patient outcomes. His surgical strategies are tailored to each individual&#8217;s anatomical and functional needs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9330f3f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9330f3f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54dd7d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"54dd7d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Surgical Approaches<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d0fa91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4d0fa91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The choice of approach depends on the patient\u2019s condition, the underlying pathology, and the surgical team\u2019s expertise:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Posterior approach:<\/strong> The most commonly used technique, offering direct access to the spine and secure fixation.<\/li><li><strong>Anterior or anterolateral approach:<\/strong> Suitable for certain deformities or tumor resections.<\/li><li><strong>Minimally invasive techniques (MISS):<\/strong> Utilize smaller incisions, less bleeding, and faster recovery times.<br \/><br \/><\/li><\/ul><p>Dr. Covaro specializes in anterolateral and minimally invasive techniques that preserve the spine&#8217;s natural curvature and mobility, resulting in fewer postoperative complications.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-476c6c9 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"476c6c9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c24a4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1c24a4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Minimally Invasive Thoracolumbar Surgery<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f29c475 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f29c475\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Today, many thoracolumbar fusions can be performed using minimally invasive methods, which reduce muscle damage, lower infection risk, and accelerate rehabilitation. These procedures involve intraoperative navigation, endoscopy, and continuous neurological monitoring.<\/p><p>Dr. Gilete, currently Medical Director at Promohealth SL, offers expert diagnostics and corrective surgeries to patients with complex spinal conditions, many of whom have been underserved. In such high-demand settings, minimally invasive surgery is essential for reducing complications in at-risk patients.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cdddd84 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"cdddd84\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99f1ee9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"99f1ee9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Risks and Potential Complications<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-314c6ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"314c6ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>As with any surgical procedure, there are risks that must be carefully managed:<\/p><ul><li>Infection or bleeding<\/li><li>Neurological injury<\/li><li>Implant failure or nonunion (pseudarthrosis)<\/li><li>Persistent pain<\/li><li>Need for revision surgery<br \/><br \/><\/li><\/ul><p>Thanks to extensive experience at renowned centers such as Instituto Teknon and Hospital Dexeus, where Dr. Covaro practices, these complications are increasingly rare when the surgery is properly planned and executed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a50d4e6 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a50d4e6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4cd894 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a4cd894\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Recovery and Rehabilitation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffec63f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ffec63f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Recovery after thoracolumbar fusion depends on the surgical approach, extent of the procedure, and the patient\u2019s overall health. Minimally invasive techniques often allow discharge within a few days and a gradual return to normal activities within weeks.<\/p><p>For conventional or extensive fusions, a structured rehabilitation program including physiotherapy, postural re-education, and close medical follow-up is essential.<\/p><p>Dr. Gilete has devoted much of his career to treating patients with spinal conditions associated with connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, adapting each recovery plan to the specific vulnerabilities of each patient.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-992c9ea e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"992c9ea\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d18576f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d18576f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When to See a Specialist<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-91e18bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"91e18bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you are experiencing chronic thoracolumbar pain, loss of strength or sensation, instability, or persistent symptoms after previous surgery, it is crucial to consult a specialized team. Early evaluation can prevent further deterioration and open the door to less invasive treatments.<\/p><p>At Complex Spine Institute, we employ cutting-edge technology, personalized protocols, and a multidisciplinary team led by Drs. Gilete and Covaro to provide comprehensive, effective, and safe care.<\/p><p>You can schedule a <a href=\"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/request-evaluation\/\">teleconsultation or in-person appointment<\/a> in Barcelona to thoroughly assess your condition. We offer multilingual staff and experience with international patients. Contact us without obligation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6dbf6f11 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6dbf6f11\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c45b658 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5c45b658\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<aside class=\"author-signature\" role=\"doc-credits\"><address>Reviewed and approved by <strong>Dr. Vicen\u00e7 Gilete, MD<\/strong>, Neurosurgeon, and <strong>Dr.\u00a0Augusto Covaro, MD<\/strong>, Orthopedic Surgeon<\/address><address>Complex\u00a0Spine\u00a0Institute \u00b7 Barcelona | <time datetime=\"2025-04-17\">April 18, 2025<\/time><\/address><address><a href=\"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/complex-spine-institute\/en\/institute\/#medical_team\" rel=\"author\">See biographies and publications<\/a><\/address><\/aside>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thoracolumbar Fusion: Definition, Indications, and Procedure Overview Thoracolumbar fusion is a highly specialized surgical procedure used to treat a range of conditions affecting the thoracic and lumbar spine. When appropriately indicated and expertly performed, this surgery can stabilize the spine, alleviate pain, and significantly improve a patient&#8217;s quality of life. In this article, we provide [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":419,"parent":1431,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1573","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1573"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1573\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/complexspineinstitute.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}