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  • Treating Chronic Back PainMinimally Invasive Spine Surgery

    Minimally invasive spine surgery is the latest advanced technology available to perform spinal surgeries through small, less than one inch long, incisions. It involves the use of special surgical instruments, devices and advanced imaging techniques to visualize and perform the surgery through such small incisions. Read More

  • Relieve Nerve & Spinal Cord CompressionAnterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion

    Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is an operative procedure to relieve compression or pressure on nerve roots and/or the spinal cord due to a herniated disc or bone spur in the neck. Read More

  • Focus on life againLumbar Decompression

    Lumbar decompression is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure over the compressed nerves in the lower spine (lumbar region). It is usually indicated in patients with herniated lumbar disc, spinal stenosis, spinal injury or spinal tumours, who have not found adequate pain relief with conservative treatment. Read More

Home // Spinal Treatments // Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion

Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion

Posterolateral lumbar fusion is a surgical technique that involves correction of spinal problems from the back of the spine by placing bone graft between segments in the back and leaving the disc space intact.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques may be used to perform the procedure.

Indications

Patients with spinal instability in their lower back due to degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis that has not responded to other non-surgical treatment measures such as rest, physical therapy or medications may be recommended for Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion.

Procedure

In this procedure the patient lies on his or her stomach. The surgeon makes a small incision in the back over the vertebra (e) to be treated. The surgeon dilates the surrounding muscles of the spine to access the section of the spine to be stabilised. The lamina, roof of the vertebra, is removed to visualise the nerve roots and the facet joints that are directly over the nerve roots are trimmed to provide the nerve roots more space.

The bone graft is implemented between the transverse processes in the back of the spine. Screws and rods can also be used to stabilise the spine for better healing and fusion. At the end of the procedure, the incision is closed and usually it leaves behind a minimal scar.

This procedure includes a smaller incision and muscle dilation that allows the surgeon to gently separate the surrounding muscles of the spine rather than cutting them.

Post-operative Instruction

After the minimally invasive procedure, most patients are discharged the day after surgery, but a few patients may require prolonged hospitalization. Many patients observe immediate improvement of some or all of their symptoms but sometimes the improvement of the symptoms may be gradual.

Contribution of a positive approach, realistic expectations and compliance with your doctor’s post-surgical instructions helps bring a satisfactory outcome to the surgical procedure. Most patients can resume their regular activities within several weeks.

Risks or Complications

The complications include infection, nerve damage, blood clots, blood loss, bowel and bladder problems and any problem associated with anaesthesia. The underlying risk of spinal fusion surgery is failure of fusion of vertebral bone and bone graft which usually requires an additional surgery.

Discuss with your spine surgeon if you have any questions regarding the procedure.

Memberships

  • General Medical Council
  • Royal College of Surgeons
  • British Medical Association
  • British Orthopaedic Association
  • British Association of Spinal Surgeons
  • Aospine
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Euro Spine
  • North American Spine Society
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