Lumbar Fusion
Lumbar Fusion in Southlake
Spinal arthrodesis, another name for spinal fusion, is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae (bones) in the spine. The process of fusing the vertebrae in the lumbar region of the spine is known as the lumbar fusion technique (lower back).
Scoliosis or kyphosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), degenerative discs, spinal infections or tumors, severe injury to the spine, recurring disc herniation, and an unstable spine can all be treated with lumbar fusion surgery.
What to Expect
The procedure can be performed open or minimally invasive. In spinal fusion, a bone fragment that has been donated from a bone bank or extracted from other regions of the body is implanted between the adjacent vertebrae. The bone graft may be combined with screws, plates, or cages to help hold the spine in place.
Your surgeon will perform a discectomy during the procedure, which involves removing a part of the diseased or damaged disc material. This may be done anteriorly through the abdomen, laterally through the abdomen, or posteriorly through the spinal canal. An additional procedure known as a laminectomy may also be done at the same time. This involves removing or trimming the roof of the vertebra to release pressure on the nerve after removal. After laminectomy, the bone graft (which consists of tiny pieces of bone) is positioned next to the vertebrae between the vertebrae that will be fused. Screws and rods are placed into the vertebrae in order to stabilize and hold the bones together while the fusion occurs. This fusion process usually takes about 3 months. It can be delayed or halted by smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, hormone deficiency, or other health conditions.
