Spine fusion surgery involves using a bone graft to cause two vertebral bodies to grow together into one long bone, stopping motion at that segment. In general, a lumbar spinal fusion surgery is most effective for those conditions that are associated with instability (spondylolisthesis) and in cases that have only one level involvement.
Patients with degenerative disc disease or those with isthmic, degenerative, or postlaminectomy spondylolisthesis may experience abnormal and excessive motion at a vertebral segment, resulting in pain. Other conditions that may be treated by a spinal fusion surgery include a weak or unstable spine (caused by infections or tumors), fractures, scoliosis, or deformity.
