What is Lumbar Spine Fusion?.. Lumbar Spine Fusion or Lumbar Spine Fusion is a surgical procedure that is used to treat various diseases that affect the back or lumbar region of the spine.. This procedure usually involves fusing or joining together two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
The main purpose of lumbar spine fusion is to reduce pain, improve spinal stability and increase overall back function.... This method is usually used to treat diseases such as disc herniation, spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, spinal deformities such as scoliosis, recurrent lumbar disc herniation, most dangerous types of lumbar disc and certain types of discs.. Complications and infections spine is used be.
During spine surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower back and uses various techniques to access the damaged area of the spine. Then the disc or part of the damaged vertebra is removed and the adjacent vertebrae are connected to each other using bone grafts, screws, metal plates or graft rods over time. The vertebra, creating a strong and stable structure...
Bone used for grafting in lumbar spine fusion can be obtained from a variety of sources, including the patient's own bone (autograft), a donor (allograft), or synthetic materials. In surgery, autograft is often preferred because it has a better chance of successful fusion. Correct position helps during fusion.
After surgery, patients usually need a few days to a few weeks of hospitalization depending on the complexity of the operation.. Recovery time varies, but it may take several months to a year for complete healing and fusion to occur... Physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises are usually recommended to strengthen back muscles and improve mobility.
Spinal fusion surgery
Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is a procedure to connect or fuse two or more vertebrae in the lower back.. Here are more details about lower back spinal fusion surgery:
Lumbar spine fusion may be recommended for conditions such as degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal fracture, spinal deformity, or tumors affecting the spine. The decision to perform surgery depends on the severity of the symptoms, the degree of failure of spinal instability treatment. Surgical techniques: Various techniques can be used for fusion surgery. Spine used:
**Posterior Lumbar Fusion (PLIF):** In this procedure, the surgeon accesses the spine through an incision in the back and removes the damaged disc. A bone graft, usually taken from the patient's pelvis, is inserted into the empty space in the disc. Screws, rods, or metal plates are used for stability and fusion. (TLIF)**: Similar to PLIF, this procedure involves removing the damaged disc and inserting a bone graft into the disc space... However, this procedure is done through a smaller incision and the surgeon may not use rods or screws.
**Anterior Lumbar Fusion (ALIF):** In this method, access to the spine is done through an incision in the abdomen.... In this method, metal implants are used.
- Bone grafting: Bone grafting is usually used to promote fusion between vertebrae....As mentioned, grafts can be obtained from the patient's own bone or from a bone donor, or from synthetic materials such as bone morphogenetic proteins.
Complications of lumbar fusion surgery
In spine fusion surgery, like any other surgery, there is a possibility of complications... but due to the sensitivity of this surgery and its proximity to the spine and spinal cord, its complications may be much more severe than other surgeries.... In the following, we have stated some of the common complications after this surgery.
- **Infection:** There is a risk of infection at the surgical site or deeper layers of the spine.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed before and after surgery to reduce this risk, but infection can still occur and may require further treatment.
- **Bleeding:** Surgery involves cutting tissues that can lead to bleeding....In some cases, a collection of blood called a hematoma may form....If significant bleeding occurs, further surgery may be needed to address it.
-**Nerve damage:** Spinal nerves are delicate structures that may be inadvertently damaged during surgery. Nerve damage can lead to a variety of symptoms including numbness, weakness, pain, or changes in sensation. Most nerve damage is temporary, but in rare cases, it can be permanent.
- ** Nonunion or Pseudarthrosis:** Lumbar spine fusion involves a process of bone repair.... However, there is always a risk of fusion or nonunion.. This happens when the bones don't fuse properly.. This can lead to chronic pain and you may need surgery again.
**Destruction of nearby tissue:** Spinal fusion surgery can put more pressure on the adjacent surfaces of the spine and accelerate degenerative changes.
-**Complications related to the instrument:** The use of metal implants such as screws, rods or plates carries certain risks... these include loosening of the implant, fracture, transfer of the instrument to other parts or irritation of the adjacent tissues.
- **Blood clots:** During and after surgery, there is a risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- **Complications related to anesthesia:** As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with anesthesia.. such as allergic reactions, breathing problems or reactions to drugs.
### Pain after lumbar fusion surgery
After spinal fusion, you will experience some degree of pain... In the following, we have presented an article about pain after spinal fusion surgery.
- **Post-operative pain:** Immediately after surgery, you will probably feel pain at the surgical site.... This pain is usually controlled with medication, and its intensity can vary depending on factors such as the extent of the surgery and the pain threshold of the individual.
- **Cut pain:** The cut site may be painful, tender and swollen.
- **Muscle pain and stiffness:** Surgery involves manipulation of the muscles and soft tissues around the spine, which can cause pain and muscle spasm in the lower back.. Physical therapy or special exercises may be prescribed to help improve and reduce back torsion.
- **Leg Pain:** If surgery was performed to relieve symptoms of nerve compression such as sciatica, leg pain may improve or disappear completely after surgery. However, you may experience temporary leg pain due to trauma from surgery.
-**Complete Pain Relief:** It is important to note that surgery is intended to address specific conditions of the spine....while some patients experience significant pain relief after surgery, others may find that some degree of pain remains.
- **Phantom pain:** In rare cases, people may experience phantom pain... This type of pain refers to the perception of pain in areas that have undergone surgery but are no longer present in the body... Phantom pain is a complex phenomenon, but it can be resolved by consulting a specialist.
Exercise after lumbar fusion surgery
After spinal fusion surgery, you should prioritize your safety and consult with your doctor before doing any sports... Below we have introduced some low-risk sports that will not cause you any problems if done correctly.
- **Walking:** Walking is one of the safest and most accessible exercises after spinal fusion surgery.... Start with a short walk and gradually increase the duration and distance of the walk by regaining strength and stamina.
- **Low-risk exercises:** Low-risk exercises, such as stationary cycling and using a recumbent stepper, can help improve cardiovascular fitness without putting too much stress on the spine.
-**Core strengthening exercises:** Strengthening the muscles around the core can help support the spine and improve stability.
Examples of core exercises often recommended after fusion surgery include gentle abdominal braces, pelvic tilts, and modified planks.
-**Flexibility Exercises:** Stretching exercises can help maintain flexibility and prevent muscle stiffness....gentle stretching of the hamstrings, hip flexors and back may be helpful....however, avoid any aggressive or excessive stretching that can stress the fusion area.
Postoperative care of spinal fusion
1.... **Follow Post-Operation Instructions:** Follow your surgeon's post-op instructions closely....These instructions may include restrictions on physical activity, wound care, medication schedules, and follow-up appointments.
2....**Pain and Medication Management:** To manage postoperative pain, take prescribed pain medication as directed by your physician...if needed, use ice packs or heating pads as directed by your physician.
3....**Take care of your back:** Pay attention to your body mechanics and avoid activities that put excessive pressure on your back....When sitting or lying down, use medical pillows to maintain proper alignment and reduce pressure on the surgical area.
4... **Gradual return to activities:** Gradually resume activities and sports according to the doctor's approval....start with light walking and gradually increase the intensity of activities.
5.... **Physiotherapy:** Participate in a post-operative rehabilitation program prescribed by your specialist..Physiotherapy can help regain strength, flexibility and mobility.
6....**Maintain a healthy lifestyle:** Eat a balanced diet to support recovery and promote overall health....quit smoking if possible..since smoking can interfere with the fusion process..maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine.
7.... **Take precautions:** Avoid activities that involve heavy lifting, bending, twisting, or excessive pressure on your back.
8..**Report any concerns:** If you experience increased pain, swelling, redness, discharge and discharge from the incision site, fever, or any other worrisome symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Reporting any problems immediately can help prevent further complications.
