Lumbar Spinal Fusion

What Is Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

A lumbar spinal fusion is a minimally invasive spine surgery performed in the lower back. It permanently connects two or more individual vertebrae in the spine to limit movement.

The spinal fusion mimics the body’s natural healing process following a broken bone. A spinal fusion can also include an interbody fusion, removing the intervertebral disc that is causing the pain.

Studies have shown an 85% patient satisfaction rate following lumbar spine surgery. See how it can benefit you.

Why Is This Surgery Needed?

By fusing vertebrae, this surgery can correct a deformity, improve stability or reduce back pain. Specifically, lumbar fusion surgery can decrease painful symptoms of the following conditions:

Degenerative disc disease
Fracture
Scoliosis
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Instability of the spine
Tumors or spine infection

What Types of Spinal Fusion Are Performed in the Back?

Each version of lumbar spinal interbody fusion surgery undergoes a similar procedure — removing vertebrae and replacing them with a bone graft, screws and rods — but is accessed through different areas of the body.

Each specific surgeon has their comfort level and reasons to choose one particular surgical approach over another. Many times it depends on whether there was a previous surgery, or location, anatomical structure and condition of the afflicted spinal segment.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

Entering through the midline of the lower back, PLIF is a wide laminectomy, removing a degenerative disc and replacing it with a Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage and bone graft to provide spinal stability.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

This procedure is similar to PLIF but enters through the abdomen to insert a PEEK cage with a bone graft on the anterior portion of the spine. This can sometimes be performed and followed with posterior instrumentation (screws and rods), called a 360 fusion.

Learn more about ALIF

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Avoiding the major back muscles this surgical approach enters from the side of your back through the foramen or natural opening where the exiting nerve is located. A unilateral facetectomy is performed allowing access to the front and back of the spinal disc.

Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF)

Similar to a TLIF surgery, without performing a facetectomy. However, has limitations to access the front and back of the disc.

Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)

This procedure is also known as lateral access spine surgery, thus accessing the vertebrae through the patient’s side.

How to Prepare for a Spine Fusion

To prepare for a spine fusion surgery, the patient can do a few things to help support a successful fusion and recovery. We recommend:

Discussing current medications and supplements with the doctor.
Quitting smoking, as studies have shown the habit can interfere with the bones’ ability to fuse.
Eating healthy with a high-fibrous diet and avoiding highly processed foods.
Preparing the home by moving their bed downstairs and kitchen items within reach to avoid bending or twisting after surgery.

Preoperative Expectations

Prepping the surgical site may involve trimming or shaving the hair around it and cleaning it with an antiseptic to ensure it’s free from excessive bacteria.

The patient will again discuss their medical history with a medical professional, along with any allergies, existing medical conditions or anything that could adversely affect the surgery. These procedures are taken to best ensure patient safety.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

The whole surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia, so they are unconscious for the entire procedure. The technique used will depend on the location of the affected vertebrae — an anterior or posterior interbody fusion or a combination of the two. No matter the method chosen, the surgery will follow three steps — the incision, decompression and removal of disc, and instrumentation (screws and rods) and lumbar cage packed with bone graft.

An incision is made in the lower back, abdomen or on either side of the spine. The spinal canal is decompressed and disc nucleus is removed. To fuse the vertebrae, the surgeon will place the permanent PEEK cage with a bone graft between two vertebrae, and rods or screws will hold the spine together as the bone graft heals.

Postoperative Expectations

The patient may have a two- to three-day hospital stay following surgery. It’s normal to feel some pain and discomfort from the incision site, but this can be managed with pain medications.

What Are the Potential Risks and Complications?

Generally, a spinal fusion is a safe procedure. However, as with every procedure, there are some risks to be aware of.

These include:

Poor incision healing
Infection
Blood loss
Blood clots
Pain at the site the bone graft was taken
Nerve damage around the surgical site

How Long Is the Recovery Process for Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Complete spinal fusion surgery recovery can take several months. Continue reading to learn more about the recovery process through our frequently asked questions.

What Pain Can Be Expected Once Home?

The patient may feel some stiffness or soreness in their back. Avoid twisting, bending and lifting anything during recovery to reduce the risk of further pain and encourage healing.

When Can I Shower?

It is recommended to wait 24 to 48 hours following surgery before showering. When showering, carefully rinse the incision with soap and water and gently pat it dry.

Do I Always Have to Wear My Back Brace?

The patient must wear their back brace following surgery until the first post-operative appointment. The doctor will then assess the recovery and determine whether the back brace is still needed.

How Long Does the Vertebrae Take to Fuse?

The vertebrae may take several months to fuse fully. The back brace is needed to maintain structure and alignment for proper healing.

How Long Before I Can Go Back to Work?

Recovery time may vary depending on an individual’s job. The patient may return to an administrative position after three to six weeks. However, a more strenuous job will take additional recovery time.

When Can I Resume Physical Activity?

The patient will be walking soon after surgery while in the hospital. More intensive exercises like running or working out should wait for around six weeks if a physical therapist approves.

When Do I Start Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy typically begins six weeks to three months after surgery and continues while at home. It will help strengthen the back, encourage healing and allow the patient to return to their favorite activities.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your doctor if you are feeling signs of infection, such as:

Redness, tenderness or swelling at the incision site
Shaking chills
Wound drainage
Fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the emergency room if you have:

Sudden loss of feeling in one or both legs
Inability to control bowel functions
Inability to walk or stand

What Is the Outcome of a Spine Fusion Surgery?

Following a complete recovery, the patient should be able to return to their usual activities. Let DISC help you gain your life back. Contact us today.

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