Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at treating spinal instability or weakness by permanently uniting bones in the lower back. It involves using bone graft material to fuse vertebrae together, reducing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, stabilizing the spine, and preventing further degeneration.

During the procedure, bone and disc material are removed, and the openings through which nerve roots exit the spine are enlarged to access and fuse the vertebral bodies. This fusion and decompression surgery aims to alleviate pain and restore spinal function.

Common reasons for Lumbar Interbody Fusion include degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal deformities, spinal fractures, and failed previous spinal surgeries.

These conditions often result in chronic back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, and reduced mobility, which Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery aims to alleviate by stabilizing the spine and relieving pressure on nerves.

Our Spine Surgeon Dr. Arjun R H H will assess your condition thoroughly before surgery to determine the most suitable course of action.

Minimally invasive spine surgery is typically performed using specialized instruments and techniques that allow the surgeon to access the spine through small incisions.

These procedures often utilize fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques to guide the surgeon’s instruments to the precise location. By minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, muscles, and nerves, this approach aims to reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time for the patient.

The recovery time for a Lumbar Interbody Fusion can vary depending on the individual and the specific details of the surgery. Generally, after the procedure, patients are often able to walk on the same day or the next day. Many patients are discharged within a day or two following the surgery, as it’s often performed as an outpatient procedure.

However, it’s crucial to note that the exact recovery timeline can vary based on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the extent of the disc herniation, and any complications that may arise during or after surgery. Some patients may experience relief from symptoms almost immediately after surgery, while others may require a few weeks to fully recover.

Overall, many patients experience significant improvement shortly after a Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery, it’s essential to understand that individual recovery experiences can vary, and Dr Arjun R H H & team will guide and support throughout the recovery process.

The risks of Lumbar Interbody Fusion include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, hardware failure, and bone fusion failure. Additionally, there’s a risk of blood clots, adjacent segment degeneration, chronic pain, anesthesia complications, and rare issues like spinal fluid leaks or dural tears.

The benefits of Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery include pain relief by stabilizing the spine, improved spinal alignment, increased stability, and decompression of nerves, resulting in alleviation of symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness.

Additionally, Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery can enhance overall quality of life and mobility, allowing patients to return to daily activities with reduced discomfort and improved function.

Dr. Arjun R. H. H typically evaluates the necessity for Lumbar Interbody Fusion  using a combination of methods, including physical examination, imaging tests such as MRI, and a review of the patient’s medical history.

During the physical examination, Dr. Arjun R H H assesses strength, sensation, reflexes, and symptoms like pain and mobility limitations in the affected area.

Imaging tests, particularly MRI, help pinpoint the location and severity of spinal issues like disc degeneration or instability, and whether they are causing nerve compression. Based on these evaluations, Dr. Arjun H H determines if Lumbar Interbody Fusion is the suitable treatment option for the patient’s condition.

The typical duration of a Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery ranges from 1 to 2 hours, although it can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the herniation, the number of discs involved.

Lumbar Interbody Fusion is known for its relatively short surgical time compared to traditional open spinal surgeries, due to its minimally invasive nature. However, the exact duration can be influenced by individual patient factors and any unforeseen complications that may arise during the procedure.

Following a Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery, the duration of hospital stay is typically short, often ranging from a few hours to one or two days.

In many cases, patient may go home on the same day of the surgery, once they have recovered from the anesthesia and are considered stable by the medical team.

However, some patients may require an overnight stay for observation or if there are any concerns about their recovery. Overall, the duration of hospital stay following Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery depends on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the extent of the surgery, and the surgeon’s recommendations.

After Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery, maintaining a healthy spine involves a combination of medications, exercises, and lifestyle modifications.

For a safe and effective recovery, Dr Arjun R H H will prescribes medications to manage pain and inflammation during the recovery period.

Additionally, Doctor will recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility. Depending on the patient’s overall condition and specific surgical outcome, the doctor may provide personalized recommendations . For more information and guidance, it’s advisable to consult Spine Surgeon Dr. Arjun R H H.