A lumbar fusion is designed to stabilize the spine when there is abnormal movement or alignment between vertebrae.

• Common reasons for lumbar fusion include:

  • Spinal instability

  • Vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis)

  • Scoliosis

  • Spinal fractures

  • Other conditions that affect spinal alignment

In addition to stabilizing the spine, lumbar fusion often includes decompressing pinched nerves to relieve leg pain, numbness, or weakness.

Lumbar fusion is performed under general anesthesia, most commonly through the back of the spine.

During surgery:

• Advanced neuronavigation technology is used to precisely place screws and hardware

• The spine is restored to proper alignment and stabilized

• Bone graft material is placed to encourage the bones to fuse together over time

• In many cases, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with a spacer (cage) and bone graft

• Pinched nerves are decompressed to relieve pressure and improve symptoms

Most patients spend one night in the hospital and return home the following day.

Recovery varies depending on the extent of the fusion and the patient’s overall health.

Hospital Stay

• Typically one night in the hospital

• Most patients return home the day after surgery

First Few Weeks

• Walking and movement are encouraged immediately

• Activity should increase gradually and incrementally

3-4 Months

• Most patients return to normal daily activities

• Healing and fusion continue during this period

Your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations based on your procedure and recovery progress.

The goal of lumbar fusion is to improve spinal stability, relieve nerve compression, and restore function.

Many patients experience:

• Significant reduction in back and leg pain

• Improved mobility and quality of life

• Better tolerance for daily activities and exercise

After healing, many patients return to activities such as:

• Hiking

• Biking

• Skiing

• Running

• Travel

• Recreational sports

For most patients, the surgery allows them to do more than they were able to do before surgery, not less.

Every surgery carries risks, though serious complications are uncommon.

During Surgery

• Spinal fluid leak (approximately 2%)

• Nerve injury (less than 2%)

• Hardware malposition (rare)

After Surgery

• Infection

• Fluid collection that may require additional treatment or surgery

• Failure of the bones to fuse completely (nonunion)

Nonunion occurs in approximately 1 in 10 patients and may require additional monitoring or treatment.

Future Surgery
Some patients may require another spine surgery in the future. Long-term studies suggest approximately 20% of patients undergo an additional spine procedure within 10 years. Maintaining strong muscles, healthy bones, and good body mechanics can help support long-term spine health.