7/29/2019 Lumbar Fusion Brochure

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Bone

Graft

Fused

Vertebrae

Pedicle

Screw

What is a Lumbar Fusion?The lumbar area o the spine is better known as thelower back. A lumbar usion is an operation tostabilize the lower back by creating bony bridges

between at least two vertebrae and eliminating motionbetween them. It can be done by using the vertebralbodies in ront (anterior) or by using the acet jointsand lamina in the back (posterior). Bone or bonesubstitutes can be placed on and between the laminaand the acet joints. Metal screws and rods or platesmay be attached to the bones to secure the fxationwhile the bony bridge heals.

During the operation, a 4 to 5 inch incision is made inyour lower back and the muscles supporting the spineare divided. A small window is made in the sheet

o bone (lamina) covering the spinal cord. Next, thesurgeon removes any ruptured disc material or bonespurs that are pinching the nerves or spinal cord. Thesite is then prepared or usion by obtaining bonegrat and/or bone substitute and laying it on the bone.Metal screws and rods or plates may be attached tothe bones to secure fxation while the bone heals.

The operation typically takes 3-4 hours; however itmay be longer, depending on the complexity o theproblem and the number o vertebrae needing to beused.

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7/29/2019 Lumbar Fusion Brochure

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Who is a Candidate?Lumbar usion may be recommended to treat anumber o spine problems. The majority o peoplewith these conditions will be successully treatedconservatively that is, without surgery. Onlyater conservative measures have ailed to relievesymptoms will surgery be considered. Problems thatmay be treated with lumbar usion include:

Sciatica is one o the most common reasonsor lumbar usion the irritation o a spinal nerveor nerves, usually by a herniated or bulging disc.

Spondylolisthesis a particular type o abnormalmovement o the vertebrae. With spondylolisthesis,one vertebra has slipped orward over another. I thevertebra continues to slip back and orth, the spinalnerves may be aected, causing leg pain, numbness,tingling and/or weakness.

Degenerative Disc Disease Age and wearand tear can cause the discs that act as cushions

between each vertebrae to shrink, allowingabnormal movement. This abnormal movementcan again result in an unstable area in the spine,and compress the nerves, causing leg pain andnumbness.

Arthritis Arthritis o the spine can lead to spinalstenosis a narrowing o the spinal canal caused bybony spurs orming on the vertebrae, narrowing theopenings within which the nerves and nerve rootsmust travel. This narrowing can cause pressure onthe nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling or

weakness down the legs.

How Long Will it Take toRecover?Recovery time varies depending on your particularsituation, the number o levels involved, as well as

your general health. You will be able to take shortwalks while in the hospital, and need to graduallyincrease the distance and requency o your walksonce at home. It can take up to 3 to 4 months or the

bones to completely use together, and during thistime you may need to wear a brace. Your doctorwill give you specifc instructions on activity levels,including when you can resume driving and returnto work.

What if I Have OtherQuestions?Were happy to answer any questions you may have.Call Gina Lambert, the spine care coordinator, at

689-5763.

Where Does the Bonefor a Fusion Come From?The bone grat can be taken rom you or rom abone bank. I using your own bone, the bone isremoved rom the back o your pelvis adjacent tothe spine; sometimes a second incision is needed,but oten the donor site can be reached romthe spinal incision. Bone rom a bone bank may be a

good option i your own bone is weak or damagedrom osteoporosis.

What are the Risks?While uncommon, complications can occur duringand ater surgery. Nerves are exposed and nervedamage is thereore a risk. There is also risk that thebony bridge will not orm and thus a usion is notestablished. Breakage or loosening o the screwsor plates can also occur. These complications could

result in another operation being needed. Othercomplications that may occur with any surgeryinclude wound inection, blood loss requiringtransusions or even causing death, and bloodclots. Your surgeon and health care team will betaking great care to help prevent these and othercomplications.

How Long is theHospital Stay?The time spent in the hospital ater a lumbarusion depends on your overall health and the extento your particular surgery. Many people will returnhome ater two to three days in the hospital.

To schedule an appointment with a spine specialist, call 540-689-5500.