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A posterior lumbar fusion is done from the back of the body and can often be accomplished through a minimally invasive approach. Patients suffering from low back pain as a result of degenerative discs disease, disc herniation, scoliosis, or bulging disc may be candidates for this treatment. Posterior lumbar fusion aims to eliminate motion or instability of vertebrae in the lower back by connecting two or more of the lumbar bones together, often done with instrumentation and bone graft. University Spine Associates will work with you to decide if a posterior lumbar fusion is the right treatment for your lower back pain.
Surgical Procedure
Prior to surgery, patients are given general anesthesia to put them to sleep. An incision is made down the middle of the affected low back area and the tissue and muscles are separated from the vertebrae to expose the back of the spinal column. The spinal surgeon removes a layer of bone off the back surfaces of the spinal column to prepare it for the spinal fusion process. Commonly, bone graft is used to allow the bones to heal, and fuse, together. Metal screws, rods, and/or plates may also be used to hold the vertebrae in place so that it successfully fuses with the bone graft.
After surgery, the professionals at University Spine Associates will help you develop a plan for successful recovery. Patients will be advised to keep activities to a minimum to allow the graft to heal, and outpatient physical therapy may begin approximately six weeks after surgery. |
