Fusion

What is Thoracic Fusion Surgery?

Thoracic fusion surgery is a procedure used to stabilise the thoracic spine, which is the middle section of the spine located between the neck and lower back.

During the procedure, surgeons place a bone graft between the vertebrae to allow them to fuse into one solid bone. The graft may come from:

• Autograft – bone taken from the patient’s own body (often from the hip)
• Allograft – bone taken from a donor bone bank

To stabilise the spine while the bone heals, surgeons may also use:

• Metal plates
• Screws
• Wires or rods

Thoracic fusion surgery can be performed through either the front (anterior approach) or the back (posterior approach) depending on the condition being treated.

The bone graft typically takes 3–4 months to fully fuse.

Why is Thoracic Fusion Surgery Performed?

Thoracic fusion is used to treat conditions that cause spinal instability or nerve compression.

Common conditions treated include:

• Fractured vertebrae
• Spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis
• Spinal instability
• Damaged or degenerated discs
• Chronic mid-back or rib pain
• Spine infections
• Tumours affecting the spine

The procedure stabilises the spine and can reduce pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, improving pain and function.

What Symptoms Can Thoracic Fusion Surgery Help Treat?

Thoracic fusion surgery may be recommended when patients experience symptoms such as:

• Persistent mid-back pain
• Chest or rib pain linked to spinal problems
• Reduced spinal stability
• Nerve-related symptoms
• Difficulty with movement or posture

Surgery aims to stabilise the affected spinal segments and relieve pressure on nearby nerves.

What Should I Do If I Need Thoracic Fusion Surgery?

If thoracic fusion surgery is recommended by your spine specialist, preparation before surgery can improve recovery outcomes.

Patients are typically advised to:

• Stay physically active where possible
• Maintain gentle mobility exercises
• Begin pre-surgery physiotherapy if recommended

Preparing the body before surgery helps improve strength, mobility, and post-operative recovery.

Physiotherapy Before Thoracic Fusion Surgery

Pre-operative physiotherapy helps prepare the spine and surrounding muscles for surgery.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists may help patients prepare through:

• Gentle back and neck mobility exercises
• Strengthening exercises for spinal support muscles
• Postural correction training
• Stretching exercises to maintain flexibility
• Advice on safe movements and activity modification

This preparation supports faster recovery and improved post-surgical outcomes.

Physiotherapy Treatment After Thoracic Fusion Surgery

Physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery after thoracic fusion surgery. Once the surgeon confirms it is safe to begin rehabilitation, physiotherapy focuses on restoring mobility and strength.

At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapists create personalised rehabilitation programmes based on the stage of healing.

Early Recovery Phase

Initial physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain and helping patients move safely.

Treatment may include:

• Ice therapy to reduce pain and swelling
• Education on safe positioning when sitting, standing, and lying down
• Gentle mobility exercises
• Walking programmes to restore mobility
• Guidance on safe movements and activity precautions

Patients are usually encouraged to begin walking soon after surgery.

Intermediate Recovery Phase

As recovery progresses, exercises focus on restoring flexibility and improving strength.

Treatment may include:

• Upper back stretching exercises
• Active range-of-motion exercises
• Walking programmes
• Stationary cycling for cardiovascular conditioning

This stage helps restore mobility while protecting the healing spine.

Advanced Rehabilitation Phase

Later rehabilitation focuses on improving strength, endurance, and functional movement.

Treatment may include:

• Active and passive movements for the upper back, neck, and shoulders
• Core strengthening exercises
• Isometric abdominal strengthening
• Aerobic conditioning through walking, swimming, or cycling
• Functional exercises for daily activities

Patients gradually return to recreational activities such as swimming, tennis, or gardening, depending on their recovery progress.

What Should I Avoid After Thoracic Fusion Surgery?

During recovery, certain activities should be avoided to protect the healing spine.

Avoid the following:

• Heavy lifting
• Sudden twisting or bending movements
• High-impact sports
• Poor posture during sitting or standing
• Returning to strenuous activities too early

Following physiotherapy guidance helps ensure safe healing.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most patients recover well after thoracic fusion surgery with appropriate rehabilitation.

Possible long-term effects may include:

• Reduced spinal flexibility
• Muscle weakness
• Mild stiffness
• Stress on nearby spinal segments

Consistent physiotherapy significantly improves recovery and long-term spinal health.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in spinal rehabilitation, post-surgical physiotherapy, and musculoskeletal recovery.

Our clinic offers:

• Experienced spinal rehabilitation specialists
• Personalised recovery programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
• Structured rehabilitation plans following spinal surgery

Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com