Spinal Fusion

Learn how lumbar spinal fusion for treatment of degenerative disc disease is performed and when the surgery is usually considered.

One of the risks of any spine fusion surgery is a lack of healing of the bone graft, which is known as a pseudarthrosis. There are a number of factors that can affect this outcome after spine fusion surgery.

The immediate surgical risks of a multilevel surgery include adverse events such as excessive blood loss or nerve damage. As the fusion heals, loss of segmental stability, infection, and/or fusion failure may occur in some patients.

In the lower back, a multilevel spinal fusion surgery involves the fusion of two or more motion segments between the first lumbar vertebra, L1, and the first sacral vertebra, S1. This surgery is designed to improve spinal stability and reduce pain in conditions that cause spinal malalignment or spinal degeneration.

Multilevel fusions will impact neck mobility and adjustments to daily tasks may need to be found. Hybrid surgical options available for people who need fusions at multiple levels.

Although complete mobility is lost at the level of the fusion, adjacent levels tend to gain mobility after fusion.

Learn the factors that can negatively impact on obtaining a solid fusion following spinal fusion surgery.

Effective and responsible pain management after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery is a crucial part of the recovery process. Learn what options are available.

Pedicle screws act as anchor points for the rods or plates that stabilize the fused spinal segments and help reduce motion between the vertebrae. 

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a common type of fusion surgery and may offer potential advantages in treating specific lower back conditions.