Lumbar Fusion
Lumbar fusion (spinal fusion) is a procedure performed to join either two or more vertebrae of your spinal cord together. The joints are permanently joined together to stop them from rubbing against each other more than they should.
Vertebrae are small bones that constitute your spinal column, and they are stacked on each other and separated by an intervertebral disc. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord from injuries and harm.
Certain medical conditions or injuries can cause the vertebrae to move against each other more than usual, thus stretching your nerves, muscles, or ligaments thus causing you pain.
During a lumbar fusion procedure, orthopedic surgeons will oftentimes use different approaches to get to your vertebrae, depending on your condition. For instance, your surgeon will access your vertebrae from your side if it is a direct lateral interbody fusion. If it is a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, they will access your back from behind.
Your Miami orthopedic surgeon will then inject a bone-like substance into the spacing between the vertebrae. If it is minimally invasive lumbar fusion, the surgeons will put you to sleep through general anesthesia. Your surgeon will then make a buttonhole size incision and gently move your back’s muscle with a unique tool. They will then proceed to join to or more vertebrae bones together by use of artificial material. Your surgeon can also join your vertebral joints together using bones.
Lumbar fusion is a minimal invasion that does not cut away from your spine’s muscle; thus, the recovery process is faster than traditional surgery. If you are interested in learning more about lumbar fusion surgery, contact a spine specialist at Ceda Orthopedic Group today by filling out this form on our website.
Why should patients get a lumbar fusion surgery?
Several medical conditions may lead to lumbar fusion surgery. These include:
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Fracture of your spinal column
- Infection
- A tumor in the spinal column
All the above conditions may be causing pain, making moving and walking painful for you. Lumbar fusion is a last result after other treatment options like medication and physical therapy have failed to treat the condition. However, lumbar fusion does not treat all types of pain, and your doctor will recommend it if only they think it is the best option for you.
The risk involved in the lumbar fusion surgery
Minimally invasive surgeries record very few risks and, in most cases, none at all. But with all surgeries, major and minor, there are some risks involved, which include:
- Lack of a complete bone fusion
- Nerve damage
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Too much bleeding
Additional risks like the procedure may introduce a different type of pain on the graft side or fail to cure the pain. Lumbar fusion can also cause a decrease in your spinal flexibility and thus affecting your mobility.
However, the extent of the complications and risk will vary depending on your age, medical condition, your back’s anatomy, and the surgical approach. Trusting experienced orthopedic surgeons with your lumbar spinal fusion will ensure that you are taken care of and the surgery is seamless.
How Ceda Orthopedic performs a lumbar fusion procedure
At Ceda Orthopedic Group, we usually recommend other forms of treatment before considering lumbar fusion to our patients. Like with all spine surgeries, we perform the surgery in our office, and monitor your vital signs before discharge. Your surgeon will approve your release but will do follow-up visits and prescribe the appropriate medication. If need be, your orthopedic will recommend physical therapy and monitor your response and guide you as you go back to your regular duties.
We offer transportation to our patients who might need it. That way, if you receive a lumbar fusion, all you need to worry about is showing up to the procedure and healing afterward! For surgery patients, we strive to relieve stress and pressure during the surgery process.
Want to learn more about lumbar fusion? Contact Ceda Orthopedic group today!
Ceda Orthopedic Group in Miami, Florida, can perform a Lumbar Fusion, where we join either two or more vertebrae of your spinal cord together. Please consult with your doctor before proceeding with this procedure.
Schedule an appointment with a Ceda Orthopedic Surgeon, and we will recommend pain medication or an exercise plan to help you get back to your usual self. We will determine if your pain or injury could be reduced with lumbar fusion during this initial appointment.
Contact Ceda Orthopedic Group to book an appointment with one of our medical physicians to help with your pain.
