Lumbar Fusion

What is Lumbar Fusion?
Lumbar Fusion is a surgical procedure commonly performed as a treatment for low back pain due to injury, spinal abnormalities or disc degeneration.

How is Lumbar Fusion Performed?
In this procedure, a piece of bone is grafted from another part of the body to the spinal area to reduce friction between the bones. An incision is made in the lower back and the tissues are dissected to reach the bone. Retractors are used to keep the tissues away from the spinal bone. Holes are then drilled into the vertebra through the pedicles. Metal screws are then placed in these holes. Then a posterolateral fusion or an interbody fusion is performed to place the grafts in position.

How to Prepare for Lumbar Fusion?

What are the tests required?
The tests required before the procedure is:

What is the cost of the procedure?
The cost of the procedure is 5500-6000 USD.

How much time is required?
The procedure requires only 2-6 hours and the hospital stay is for about 2-5 days.

What type of anesthesia will be given?

General anesthesia

How will patient recover?

 - The patient is taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or a recovery room to recover from the effects of anesthesia.
- The patient's vital signs are monitored during this period.
- The patient's wound dressing, circulation and movement of toes and legs are also checked.
- The day after the surgery, most patients will be able to get out of the bed and are encouraged to move around with assistance.
- Some patients may need to undergo rehabilitation after being discharged.
- Arrangement for a visiting nurse and a therapist may be done for patients who do not require rehabilitation and can return home.

What should be cared?

 - Patients may sleep on their backs with pillows placed under the neck and knees. Alternatively, they may lie on their sides with knees bent slightly, and a pillow placed between the knees.
- Bending over should be avoided or minimized.
- Driving and doing light activities should be avoided for one to two weeks after surgery.
- Short walks every day is recommended to speed up recovery and reduce pain.
- Patients with a sedentary job may return to work in one to two weeks after surgery. However, patients with strenuous jobs may need to avoid working for two to four months.

The doctor should be contacted if the following symptoms occur:

- Redness, swelling and bleeding from the incision
- If staples or stitches come off
- Fever
- Severe pain in the legs, back and backside
- Urinating inability
- No control over bowels or bladder
- Swelling, redness and pain in one of the legs
- Inability to move legs
- Severe headache
- Chest pain and breathing difficulty