Lumbar Spinal Fusion

When Is Lumbar Spinal Fusion Recommended?

Lumbar spinal fusion is a permanent solution to a wide variety of lumbar back conditions. NU-Spine recommends the treatment for the following types of back pain:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
• Spondylosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Flat back syndrome
• Kyphosis
• Slipped disc
• Herniated disc
• Failed back syndrome
• Spine infection

The procedure may also stabilize the spine after tumor removal, corpectomy, or discectomy.

Surgery is most often recommended for patients who have tried other treatments without significant improvement. If your back pain has not responded to pain management medications, physical therapy, or a supportive brace, talk to a NU-Spine physician about whether spinal fusion surgery is the right next step.

Who Performs Lumbar Spinal Fusion at NU-Spine?

Back surgeries at NU-Spine are performed by Dr. Branko Skovrlj, a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in all kinds of spine surgery. He focuses on complex and minimally invasive spine surgery and regularly contributes to research efforts to improve treatments for back pain. These contributions have earned him multiple awards and recognition around the world.

Though Dr. Skovrlj is widely respected, he has not given up the small-town values that make him down-to-earth and approachable. He takes the time to get to know each patient individually and build a trusting relationship, allowing patients to discuss their pain and symptoms in a judgment-free zone.

How Is Lumbar Spinal Fusion Performed?

Before beginning a lumbar spinal fusion, Dr. Skovrlj determines which variation of the procedure is best for the patient. He is proficient in the most advanced techniques, including:

• TLIF: An acronym for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, this procedure removes the spinal disc through the foramen, or the narrow hole between vertebrae. This reduces spinal trauma and allows for a faster recovery.
• XLIF: An acronym for extreme lateral interbody fusion, this procedure accesses the spine from the side rather than the back. This approach allows Dr. Skovrlj to use a smaller incision to reduce damage to the body.

The ideal procedure depends on the patient’s condition and its location within the spine. Both are performed under general anesthesia and follow a similar process:

1. Skovrlj makes a small incision to access the spine.
2. Using precise instruments, he removes the spinal disc. He also performs any other necessary procedures, such as a tumor removal or corpectomy.
3. He places a bone graft in the gap between vertebrae. The graft may be sourced from the patient’s body or from a donor bank.
4. He uses titanium hardware to anchor the bone graft in place for faster fusion.
5. He closes the incision using sutures (stitches) or staples.

The operation takes a few hours to complete. Afterward, the patient may stay at the hospital for one to several days. This time allows doctors to encourage recovery while monitoring the patient’s condition to prevent complications.

Recovery After Lumbar Spinal Fusion

When the patient is ready to go home, Dr. Skovrlj will provide some instructions for recovery. Following these instructions is essential to ensure the best possible results from surgery. His guidelines may include:

• Protecting incision sites with dressings
• Avoiding bending or twisting movements
• Taking medications to manage pain
• Keeping the incisions safe when bathing
• Monitoring for signs of infection
• Scheduling a follow-up appointment

The surgical site may be painful for several days after surgery. Once the incision sites start to heal, the patient begins physical therapy. A personalized exercise plan is developed to help them rebuild strength and stabilize the back. In the meantime, Dr. Skovrlj guides the patient through a gradual return to normal activities. Most activities can be resumed in one to two weeks, while full recovery typically takes between four to six weeks.

Outcomes of Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Most patients experience significant improvement in quality of life after lumbar spinal fusion. The surgery provides permanent relief of pain and may allow patients to quit medications. Patients sleep more comfortably and may return to an active lifestyle. Pain should not return to the same site.

NU-Spine is proud to emphasize minimally invasive methods whenever possible. These techniques avoid damage to muscles and nerves, causing less surgical trauma. This results in faster recovery times with less pain, less internal bleeding, and less risk of infection or complications. Patients can enjoy the benefits of lumbar spinal surgery sooner.

Schedule a Surgery Consultation Near You in New Jersey

Are you struggling with treatment-resistant back pain? Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey locations near you.

Frequently Asked Questions on Lumbar Spinal Fusion

What is lumbar spinal fusion?

Lumbar spinal fusion is a procedure that fuses two or more lumbar vertebrae. The result is a single strong bone without movement or pain.

When is lumbar spinal fusion recommended?

Lumbar spinal fusion is recommended for patients with lower back pain whose condition has not improved with conservative treatments. NU-Spine physicians can help you determine whether this procedure is right for you.

What types of lumbar spinal fusion are available at NU-Spine?

NU-Spine offers TLIF and XLIF procedures. These are modern, minimally invasive variations of the spinal fusion procedure that offer less post-surgical pain and faster recoveries than open surgery.

Is lumbar spinal fusion permanent?

The benefits of lumbar spinal fusion are permanent, so the pain should not return.