Lumbar Fusion

Fusion surgery in the lumbar spine can relieve lower back pain when other treatments don’t work. If you have treatment-resistant lower back pain, visit Amanda Carpenter, MD, and Duncan Carpenter, MD, at North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates in Ridgewood, New Jersey. As board-certified neurosurgeons, they have specialized skills, enabling them to complete lumbar fusion using advanced techniques. Call North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates today to request a lumbar fusion evaluation or schedule a consultation online.

What is lumbar fusion?

Lumbar fusion is a spine surgery that joins two or more vertebrae (bones) in the lower back so they heal into one solid piece. This helps reduce pain and improve stability by stopping movement between the bones.

You may need lumbar fusion if you have a condition causing instability, pain, or nerve problems in your lower back. Common reasons include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Scoliosis (incorrect spinal curvature)
• Herniated disc 
• A fractured vertebra

If you have one of these conditions and physical therapy, medications, and other treatments haven’t helped, surgery might be the next step.

What does lumbar fusion involve?

During lumbar fusion, your North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates surgeon removes the damaged disc and tissue between the vertebrae. Then, they place a bone graft or spacer in the empty space. 

Over time, this graft helps the bones grow together or fuse. Your surgeon will likely use metal screws, rods, or plates to hold everything in place while the spine heals.

Your surgeon may perform lumbar fusion from the front of the spine (anterior), the back (posterior), or sometimes both. If possible, they use minimally invasive techniques like robotic-assisted spine surgery to reduce damage to the surrounding tissues and promote faster healing.

Your neurosurgeon chooses the best approach based on your condition.

What is recovery like after lumbar fusion?

Most patients stay in the hospital for one to three days after lumbar fusion surgery. You’ll need to take it easy at home, so no bending, lifting, or twisting for a while. You may wear a brace for support, while physical therapy supports increased strength and movement. 

The bones can take several months to fully fuse, but many people start feeling better within weeks. You may lose a little flexibility in your lower back after lumbar fusion, especially if it involves multiple fusions. However, your body often adjusts to the changes over time, and most patients still do everyday activities without problems. 

What risks does lumbar fusion pose?

Like all surgeries, there are risks to undergoing lumbar fusion, such as infection, blood clots, nerve injury, or the bones not fusing properly (called nonunion). However, serious complications are uncommon, especially with a skilled neurosurgeon and proper aftercare.

North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates specializes in treating spine and nerve conditions, guiding you through every step from diagnosis to recovery. Call the office today to learn more about lumbar fusion, or book an appointment by completing the online form.