Also referred to as ‘Arthrodesis’, spinal fusion is an advanced surgical technique involving joining two or more vertebrae (bones) within the spine. This technique fuses the vertebrae within the lumbar part of the spine (the lower back region).
Lumbar fusion is a treatment for spondylolisthesis, a condition characterized by the slipping of the spine bones. It is also prescribed for treating the following conditions:
- Degenerated discs
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)
- Unstable spine
- Traumatic injury affecting the spine
- Spinal infections
- Tumors of the spine
Why the Procedure Is Performed?
Surgeons will conduct spinal fusion with other surgical procedures on the spine. In most cases, the procedure may be done along with other surgical procedures, such as the following listed below:
- Laminectomy or foraminotomy for the treatment of spinal stenosis
- After a diskectomy in the neck
Doctors may recommend spinal fusion to treat the following conditions:
- Injury or fractures of the spinal cord
- Arthritis of the spine (spinal stenosis)
- Weak spine
- Unstable spines resulting from infections or tumors
- Spondylolisthesis (a condition resulting from the slipping of one vertebra forward on top of another)
- Abnormal curvatures (due to scoliosis or kyphosis)
The surgeon usually has a detailed discussion with the patient before deciding when to have the surgery.
Posterior Lumbar Fusion Procedure
This surgical procedure is usually performed as follows:
An open surgery Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery
Dr. Burks will make an incision in the patient’s back to expose the spine for posterior spinal fusion. Special care is taken to keep the soft tissues and blood vessels apart. This is important to avoid damage.
A piece of bone taken from other parts of the body is transplanted between the nearby vertebrae to perform spinal fusion. The piece of bone used can also be taken from a donor bone bank. The spine is held in place by using screws, plates, or cages.
Under what conditions the lumbar fusion treatment is done?
Dr. Burks prefers doing the least invasive treatments possible for his patients after assessing their condition. Surgery is often suggested as the last resort. He may recommend lumbar fusion only when all nonsurgical treatments fail to improve a painful back condition. The following conditions can be treated by a lumbar fusion when conventional options fail:
Herniated Disc
A spinal disc herniates and bulges outward. This causes the pressing of a nerve.
Treatment: Dr. Burks will fuse the vertebrae lying above and below the disc. This helps relieve excess pressure on the nerve.
Scoliosis and Kyphosis
These conditions are known to cause an abnormal curve in the spine.
Treatment: Dr. Burks will fuse the damaged vertebrae to treat scoliosis and kyphosis.
Spinal Instability
The condition leads to weakness of the spine and arthritis resulting from prolonged repetitive motion between two vertebrae.
Treatment: Dr. Burks will fuse two vertebrae to restore the stability and strength of the spine.
Fractured Vertebrae
In most cases, fractured vertebrae heal on their own with complete rest and immobilization. However, in severe cases where a fracture leads to an unstable spine, Dr. Burks may recommend lumbar fusion.
Spondylolisthesis
This is a painful condition characterized by the slipping of one vertebra, placing excess and abnormal pressure on the nerves. Spondylolisthesis is also known to cause numbness and tingling throughout the body.
Treatment: Dr. Burks will remove the parts of the displaced vertebra affecting the nerves. Thereafter, he uses fusion to restore mobility. This treatment also offers significant pain relief.
What are the risks or complications of spinal fusion?
All surgical procedures carry certain risks. A spinal fusion is no exception. Some major categories of risk associated with this surgery include the following:
- Infection risk
- Blood loss
- Damage to some major anatomic structures (such as joints, nerves, and blood vessels)
- Developing additional spinal issues in the future
However, the above-listed risks are just generalized versions based on research on spinal fusion surgeries in the past. Each individual has a unique inherent risk profile. Each surgery is different and carries unique risks. Hence, the best thing to do is to discuss these topics with your surgeon directly during the initial consultation session.
What should I expect from a lumbar fusion procedure?
Dr. Burks is an experienced surgeon in Miami, South Florida, who uses the most advanced technology to perform minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery. This procedure involves the following steps:
- The patient is given general anesthesia to ensure he or she is asleep during the surgery.
- The surgeon makes tiny incisions near the lumbar vertebrae.
- Any damaged tissue is carefully removed prior to fusing the vertebrae together with a bone graft.
- The graft is usually taken from another bone in the patient’s body, primarily from the pelvis or donor tissue.
- Dr. Burks will place the graft between the vertebrae. The bones are fused together using screws, plates, and/or rods. These help in promoting stability.
- Once the procedure is completed successfully, Dr. Burks provides all necessary instructions on lumbar spine fusion recovery to the patient. This is to ensure an optimal outcome.
If you are looking for advanced expertise and consultation for lumbar fusion from an experienced surgeon, call Burks Spine Surgery. You may book an appointment online today.
