Lumbar Interbody Fusion

What is lumbar interbody fusion?

Lumbar interbody fusion uses bone grafts, screws, and rods to stabilize two or more vertebrae in your lower back (lumbar spine). Fusing your vertebrae stops them from moving out of position –– among the most common causes of lower back pain.

 When is lumbar interbody fusion necessary?

Coastal Spine might recommend lumbar interbody fusion if you have:

• Lower back pain that gets worse when you bend over
• Back pain that gets worse during exercise and rest
• Tingling or numbness that extends into your legs or feet
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis (a condition that causes a vertebra to slip onto the bone below)
• Infection
• Tumor

Lumbar interbody fusion is usually recommended after other treatments are exhausted.

For example, your Coastal Spine provider will suggest you take anti-inflammatory medication, enroll in physical therapy, or receive pain injections. You might qualify for surgery if you don’t see an improvement from these treatments.

What does lumbar interbody infusion involve?

Lumbar interbody fusion is a complex procedure that takes five to seven hours. Afterward, you stay in the hospital for a night or two for observation.

Your Coastal Spine surgeon administers a general anesthetic, putting you to sleep. They make a small incision in your lower abdomen, exposing the front of your spine.

Your surgeon uses special tools to remove the damaged or diseased intervertebral disc and replaces it with a spacer containing a bone graft. They close the incision in your abdomen and turn you over.

Your surgeon makes two small incisions in your lower back just above the area where they placed the bone graft. They insert screws and rods to hold the spacer in place and stabilize your bones.

Your Coastal Spine surgeon closes the incisions in your back and moves you to recovery. When the anesthetic wears off, you’re moved to a hospital room.

What is recovery like after lumbar interbody fusion?

After lumbar interbody fusion, you stay in the hospital for several days. Once you’re discharged, avoid strenuous activities, including lifting, bending, and twisting, during the first few weeks. After four to six weeks, you begin physical therapy, which helps you build strength and improve your mobility.

Call the nearest Coastal Spine office today to learn more about lumbar interbody fusion, or make your appointment online.