What is Lumbar Fusion Surgery?
You can call it “the welding of spinal vertebrae.” The lumbar spine fixation surgery involves restricting motion by fusing two vertebrae. It is operated at different levels with level 1 spinal fusion surgery being the most common, involving vertebrae in the same section. The primary aim of this treatment is to reduce discomfort or pain caused by vertebrae movement or shift. It also adds support and stability to the spinal area.
Bone grafting is the most common lumbar spinal fusion technique. Herein, a bone graft taken from the hip, harvested from cadaver bone, or synthetically manufactured one is used. This graft is placed in the intervertebral space, causing two vertebrae to grow together into a single bone.
What are Different Spinal Fusion Surgery Types?
Spinal fusion surgery methods are classified by the way treatment is performed. The most common types of surgical approaches are posterior lumbar interbody fusion (from the back), anterior lumbar interbody fusion (from the front), both sides, and lateral (from the side).
What Problems Does Lumbar Fusion Surgery Treat?
Most problems causing lower back pain can be treated with non-operative measures like medication and physical therapy. However, there are certain for which the surgery is recommended such as spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease. Persistent back pain, deformed, fractured, or broken vertebrae, arthritic inflammation, and weakness from tumor or infection are other problems that might require lumbar fusion surgery.
What is the Lumbar Fusion Surgery Recovery Period?
The exact lumbar fusion surgery success rate depends on various factors like your physical condition, surgeon’s practices, and how your body reacts to the procedure. Usually, you will stay hospitalized 3-4 days after the surgery for observation and recovery. After discharge, you might be asked to avoid a normal diet for a few days and resume normal activities until the bones are fused. You may be asked to wear a lumbosacral corset (belt) for some time, usually up to 6 weeks. The full recovery period generally lies between 3-6 months.
Are there any Potential Lumbar Fusion Surgery Complications?
Every medical procedure comes with a certain level of risks, the intensity of which depends on your medical history and other factors. Pseudoarthrosis is a potential risk of the surgery, which means the fusion doesn’t heal. Usually, patients with diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, consuming certain medications, alcohol, and those who smoke are at a higher risk. Getting an accurate diagnosis and advice from a surgeon will help you understand potential risks and take necessary precautions to minimize the complications.
Dr Nitin Jagdhane is one of the best Neurosurgeon and Spine specialists for doing Lumbar Fusion Surgery Treatment in Mumbai, India. Get in touch with Dr. Nitin Jagdhane, brain and spine specialist in Mumbai, for the best results for your Lumbar Fusion Surgery Treatment.