Fusion is a process in which bones permanently grow together. Instrumented spinal fusion is a procedure where a surgeon uses instruments such as rods, plates, and screws to assist in the fusion of spinal bones. This surgery is applicable for both adult and pediatric patients with a weakened spine.
Lumbar fusion encompasses various spinal surgery techniques that connect two or more vertebrae in the lumbar spine (lower back). The goal of fusion surgery, or arthrodesis, is to merge two or more bones into one single structure.
After lumbar spinal fusion, exercises such as isometric lumbar stabilization with trunk extension/flexion/lateral flexion and lumbar stabilization with trunk co-contraction are vital for recovery. The regimen includes exercises like hook-lying pelvic neutral marches, heel slides, leg lifts with knee extension, the ‘dying bug’, and bridges.
Candidates best suited for ALIF surgery are those with disc collapse at the lowest lumbar segments needing maximum restoration of disc space height.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion involves the placement of screws, rods, and cages to stabilize the spine due to instability or pain. This often includes removing a portion of or an entire bone.
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a technique where two spinal bones are fused by removing a part of the spinal disc between them and placing a spacer, supported by screws and rods.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion for both thoracic and lumbar regions is available at Columbia Neurosurgery in New York City, offering an alternative treatment option for various conditions.
Different types of fusion surgeries are tailored to treat specific conditions. Procedures such as ACDF Surgery and Instrumented Cervical Laminectomy Fusion are among the many techniques utilized.
The Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) procedure is particularly useful for conditions requiring the fusion of the lumbar spine, such as degenerative conditions, instability, and spinal deformity. It is typically performed at one or two lumbar levels.
