Lumbar Fusion Surgery
Overview
Lumbar fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae in the lower back to eliminate motion between them. It is commonly used to treat spinal instability, degenerative disc disease, or chronic lower back pain. By fusing the vertebrae, the procedure helps reduce pain caused by movement or nerve irritation.
Indications
Lumbar fusion may be considered for patients with:
- Degenerative disc disease or spinal arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
- Chronic low back pain not responding to non-surgical treatment
- Spinal instability or deformity (e.g., scoliosis)
- Recurrent herniated discs or failed previous spine surgery
Procedure
Lumbar fusion surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and may involve different techniques:
1. Posterior Lumbar Fusion (PLF)
- Performed through an incision in the back
- Bone graft material is placed along the sides of the spine
- Rods and screws may be used to stabilize the spine during healing
2. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
- Damaged disc is removed through the back of the spine
- A spacer filled with bone graft is inserted between vertebrae
- Metal implants hold the vertebrae in place during fusion
3. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
- Accessed from the front (abdomen) for better disc space visibility
- A bone graft or cage is placed between vertebrae after disc removal
- Often used in combination with posterior hardware for stability
Risks & Considerations
While generally effective, lumbar fusion carries risks:
- Infection or bleeding
- Nerve damage or spinal fluid leak
- Nonunion (failure of the bones to fuse)
- Adjacent segment disease (stress on nearby discs)
- Need for additional surgery in the future
Recovery & Outcomes
- Hospital stay is typically 1–3 days depending on the procedure
• Walking is encouraged early to prevent complications
• Return to light activities within 4–6 weeks; full recovery may take 3–6 months
• Successful fusion can lead to significant pain relief and improved stability
Is Lumbar Fusion Right for You?
If you're experiencing chronic back pain, instability, or nerve symptoms that haven't improved with conservative care, lumbar fusion may offer long-term relief. Our experienced spine specialists will evaluate your imaging, symptoms, and goals to determine the best treatment approach.
